New benefits, increased rates, and salary hikes. What changes will take effect from January 1 of next year?

Bus fares in Tashkent will increase

The cost of public transport in the capital will rise for cash payments. The basic fare for a single trip will be 3000 sums. A one-time ticket with a QR code can be purchased at Paynet, MultiPay, and Oson kiosks. Cash payments will no longer be accepted directly on buses.

Kindergarten fees will be raised

Starting in January, attendance at state kindergartens will increase by another 10%. This marks the second tariff increase, following a 20% rise in June of this year.

Benefits will be provided to low-income families

Children from low-income families will be admitted to state kindergartens on a preferential basis.

Cultural workers will see an increase in income

Salaries for state employees in culture and arts, information and library services, and museums will be increased by 20%. Another raise is expected in the summer of 2025.

Uzbek language teachers will receive bonuses

Teachers of the Uzbek language in general education schools who possess a national certificate will begin receiving a monthly bonus equal to 50% of their salary.

Rewards will be fully exempt from taxes

Monetary rewards and prizes for winners of regional and national stages of competitions, as well as international subject Olympiads, will be exempt from income tax.

Bookmakers will be given the green light

The organization of risk-based games and online betting will be legalized in Uzbekistan. To commence operations in the republic, a minimum of 84 billion sums will be required.

Local authorities will gain more powers

District and city administrations will receive expanded powers, including the authority to appoint and dismiss heads of local departments from eight ministries and agencies. These changes aim to enhance support for businesses and improve local governance efficiency.

Local budgets will see increased revenues

District and city budgets will receive income from turnover tax, property tax, land tax for legal entities, and from leasing state assets in full. Additionally, at least half of the income from individual income tax will remain in local budgets.

An experiment will begin in healthcare

Pilot centralized medical laboratories will be established in three regions of Uzbekistan. This will allow patients to undergo tests for free at their local clinics.

Technical schools will unite into a network

A unified network of technical schools will be created in Uzbekistan to ensure the training of specialists at all levels of secondary vocational education. Candidates for the positions of director and deputy director of technical schools will be selected through an open competition.

Strengthening vocational training

Express courses for vocational training will be launched in Uzbekistan. Graduates will receive certificates that are recognized abroad.

Employers will conduct exams for graduates

Enterprises and organizations will begin conducting final state certification for graduates of higher and vocational educational institutions.

A national time scale will be implemented

Uzbekistan will introduce a National Time Scale UTC (UZ). This will provide interested agencies and organizations with information about the exact time.

Transitioning to a market economy

A new law "On Railway Transport" aimed at developing market relations and competition in this sector will come into force. Most of its provisions will begin to take effect in May of next year.

Support measures for special associations

The state duty for the registration of organizations of associations for persons with disabilities, veterans, women, and children will be halved. Additionally, the amount of tax-exempt charitable funds from sponsoring organizations for those in need of social protection will increase from 15 million sums to 34 million sums (100 times the minimum wage).

Electronic bracelets for convicts

The phased implementation of electronic bracelets for convicts will begin. The procedure for their use to monitor individuals under house arrest or with restricted freedom has been approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.

Tobacco alternatives will be regulated

A technical regulation on tobacco products, which establishes requirements for vapes and heated tobacco, will come into effect. This will mark the end of uncontrolled activities in the market.

A ban on keeping wild animals

A ban on the private ownership of wild animals will come into effect. They will also not be allowed to be used for circus performances. The list has been approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan.