Managing employee leave and vacation entitlements in Uzbekistan requires a clear understanding of the country's labor laws and regulations. These policies are designed to ensure employee well-being and provide necessary time off for rest, personal matters, illness, and family responsibilities. Compliance with these regulations is essential for employers operating within Uzbekistan.
Uzbekistan's labor legislation outlines various types of leave that employees are entitled to, including annual paid vacation, public holidays, sick leave, and parental leave. Specific durations and conditions apply to each type of leave, and employers must adhere to these requirements to maintain legal compliance and support their workforce effectively.
Annual Vacation Leave
Employees in Uzbekistan are entitled to annual paid leave. The minimum duration for basic annual leave is 15 calendar days. Certain categories of employees, such as those working in hazardous conditions, individuals with disabilities, or those under 18 years of age, may be entitled to extended leave periods. The timing of annual leave is typically determined by a schedule agreed upon between the employer and the employee, taking into account the operational needs of the employer and the employee's preferences.
| Leave Type | Minimum Entitlement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Annual Leave | 15 calendar days | For most employees |
| Extended Leave | Varies | For specific categories (e.g., hazardous) |
Leave can generally be taken in parts, provided one part is not less than 12 calendar days. Unused leave can, under certain conditions, be carried over to the next year or compensated upon termination of employment.
Public Holidays
Uzbekistan observes several public holidays throughout the year. On these days, employees are typically entitled to a paid day off. If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, they are usually entitled to increased compensation, often at double the regular rate.
While the exact dates for some holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha depend on the lunar calendar and official announcements, the fixed public holidays generally include:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year |
| March 8 | International Women's Day |
| March 21 | Navruz |
| May 9 | Day of Memory and Honour |
| September 1 | Independence Day |
| October 1 | Teachers' and Mentors' Day |
| December 8 | Constitution Day |
| Variable | Eid al-Fitr (Ramazon Hayit) |
| Variable | Eid al-Adha (Qurbon Hayit) |
If a public holiday falls on a weekend, a substitute day off may be granted, often on the following Monday.
Sick Leave
Employees in Uzbekistan are entitled to paid sick leave when they are temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury. Sick leave is granted based on a medical certificate issued by a healthcare professional. The duration of paid sick leave and the percentage of salary paid depend on factors such as the employee's length of service and the nature of the illness.
| Length of Service | Percentage of Average Salary | Maximum Duration (General) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 5 years | 60% | Varies (often up to 4 months) |
| 5 to 8 years | 80% | Varies (often up to 4 months) |
| Over 8 years | 100% | Varies (often up to 4 months) |
For certain conditions, such as tuberculosis or occupational diseases, sick leave may be paid at 100% regardless of service length and may have longer maximum durations. Sick pay is typically funded through social insurance contributions.
Parental Leave
Uzbekistan provides various types of leave related to childbirth and childcare, including maternity leave, leave for childcare, and potentially adoption leave.
Maternity Leave
Pregnant employees are entitled to maternity leave, which is a combined period of leave taken before and after childbirth. The standard duration is 70 calendar days before the birth and 56 calendar days after the birth (86 days in case of complicated birth or multiple births). This totals 126 or 156 calendar days. Maternity leave is paid at 100% of the employee's average salary, funded through social insurance.
Leave for Childcare
Following maternity leave, either parent or another family member caring for the child may be entitled to unpaid leave for childcare until the child reaches the age of three. During this period, the employee's job is retained.
Adoption Leave
Employees who adopt a child are also entitled to leave, similar to maternity leave, from the date of adoption until the child reaches a certain age (often linked to the end of the maternity leave period had the child been born to the employee).
Other Types of Leave
Uzbekistan's labor code also provides for other types of leave under specific circumstances:
- Study Leave: Employees pursuing education may be granted paid or unpaid leave to attend classes, take exams, or work on dissertations, depending on the type of education and the agreement with the employer.
- Leave Without Pay: Employees may request unpaid leave for personal or family reasons. The employer's approval is generally required, though the law may specify cases where the employer cannot refuse (e.g., for certain family circumstances).
- Bereavement Leave: While not always a specific mandated duration, employers typically grant a short period of paid or unpaid leave for employees dealing with the death of a close family member.
- Leave for State or Public Duties: Employees called upon to perform state or public duties (e.g., jury duty, military training) are typically released from work and may receive compensation from the relevant state body.
The specifics of these additional leave types can vary, and it is important for employers to consult the relevant articles of the Labor Code or seek local expert advice to ensure full compliance.
