Maternity leave, pay and benefits in Uzbekistan: what to expect

Maternity leave in Uzbekistan is more generous than many first-time parents expect, but the paperwork has several steps and the rules are updated often. Here is what to expect under current rules, from the certificate at 30 weeks to your return to work. Treat it as a map, not the final word: confirm the details with HR and the Social Protection agency, because rules change.

How long is maternity leave and when does it start?

The official name is leave for pregnancy and childbirth (homiladorlik va tug'ruq ta'tili), and most people simply call it "dekret".

• 126 calendar days in total: 70 days before the expected date of birth and 56 days after.
• 140 days (70 + 70) if the birth is complicated or you are expecting twins or more.
• The leave is granted in full. If your baby arrives early, the unused "before" days are added to the "after" part; you do not lose them.
• The certificate of temporary incapacity for work (mehnatga layoqatsizlik varaqasi) is issued by your polyclinic at 30 weeks. For twins it is usually issued earlier; ask your doctor when.
• You need an official employment contract to receive the leave and the benefit.

Hand the certificate to your employer as soon as you receive it; the leave counts from the date on it, so do not delay the paperwork.

How maternity pay works

The maternity benefit is paid for the whole 126 or 140 days and is calculated from your average earnings. Under current rules, from 2026 it is paid by the state social fund rather than by the employer; your employer submits the documents on your behalf. In practice this means:

• Ask HR who is responsible for the submission and when the payment should arrive.
• Keep copies of the certificate, your application and any confirmation.
• If you changed jobs in the past two years, bring proof of earnings from each employer.
• If the payment is late, contact your employer first, then the Social Protection agency.

Amounts, ceilings and timing change from year to year, so check the current figures.

After maternity leave: childcare leave and your rights

When the 126 days end, you can move straight into childcare leave:

• Childcare leave is available until your child turns two. Eligible families receive a monthly state childcare allowance; eligibility depends on family income and registration in the social protection system.
• You can then continue on unpaid leave until the child turns three. Your position is kept for you.
• The father or another working relative can take the childcare leave instead of the mother.
• The Labour Code protects pregnant women and mothers of young children from dismissal at the employer's initiative, with narrow exceptions such as the company closing. It also gives the right to lighter work on medical advice during pregnancy and to paid breaks for feeding a child under two.

If you feel pressured to resign, do not sign anything on the spot. Ask for the request in writing and get advice from the labour inspectorate or a lawyer.

The one-time birth payment ("suyunchi puli")

Since April 2024, families receive a one-time payment on the birth of a first child, about 70 percent of the minimum wage. For a second child it is paid only to families registered in the Unified Social Protection Register. To receive it:

• Register the birth at the civil registry office (FHDYo, formerly ZAGS) and get the birth certificate.
• Apply through your mahalla, the local Social Protection office or the my.gov.uz portal.
• Have your passport, the birth certificate and your bank card details ready.

Your checklist and timeline

At 28–30 weeks

• Ask your doctor about the certificate and confirm the date it will be issued.
• Tell HR when you plan to stop working and ask which documents they need.
• Check that your employment contract and passport details are up to date.

At the birth

• The maternity hospital gives you a medical birth record; keep it safe.
• If the birth was complicated, ask for the additional certificate extending leave to 140 days.

In the first month

• Register the birth at FHDYo and get the birth certificate.
• Apply for suyunchi puli and, if eligible, the childcare allowance.
• Write to your employer about childcare leave before the 126 days end.

Self-employed, no contract, and going back to work

Women without an employment contract have fewer protections: self-employed status, civil-law agreements and informal work do not bring paid maternity leave in the same way. Options worth exploring:

• Registering as self-employed and making voluntary social insurance contributions; ask the Social Protection agency what this entitles you to.
• Applying for the childcare allowance and other family support through the mahalla if your family income is low.
• Suyunchi puli does not depend on employment, only on the registry conditions above.

When talking to your employer, raise the subject early, bring a handover plan and put key agreements in writing. When you return, you are entitled to breastfeeding breaks; many mothers combine them into a shorter working day by agreement. Ask about part-time or flexible hours; coming back from leave does not reset your position or your rights.

This article is general information, not medical or legal advice. Check current rules with your doctor, employer and the Social Protection agency.