Uzbekistan Records Sharp Decline in Unemployment for Q3

Uzbekistan’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.9 percent in the third quarter of 2025, according to data from the Ministry of Employment and Poverty Reduction.

The figure represents a 0.8-percentage-point decrease compared to the same period last year, reflecting continued improvements in the country’s labor market, The Caspian Post reports, citing Uzbek media.

The country’s total population reached 37.8 million. Of these:

• The labor force numbered 20.35 million - an increase of 1.9 percent;
• The economically active population totaled 15.57 million;
• The employed population stood at 14.81 million - up by 4.1 percent.

Employment in the formal sector grew by 17 percent to 8.58 million people, while the number of those working in the informal sector dropped by 26.9 percent to 4.38 million. Meanwhile, the number of Uzbek citizens working abroad rose to 1.86 million - an increase of 512,000 compared to the same period in 2024.

Across the country, 760,000 individuals were registered as job seekers.

In 2025, a total of 4.45 million people were provided with income-generating employment, including:

• 1.29 million in agriculture;
• 2.74 million in the service sector;
• 172,300 in construction;
• 256,200 through investment projects.

During the second quarter of 2025, Uzbekistan’s unemployment rate was recorded at 5.1 percent, ranking third among Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries.

According to the ministry, the decline in unemployment reflects the government’s active employment policies and the creation of new jobs.

Starting from November 1, 2025, unemployment benefits in Uzbekistan are only paid to individuals whose employment contracts have been terminated. To qualify, a person must have worked for at least 18 months over the past five years and must apply for the benefit within six months of termination.

Eligible individuals will receive unemployment payments for three months, calculated based on their average salary over the last 18 months.