Uzbekistan proposes new rules for student employment

Schoolchildren in Uzbekistan may soon be allowed to take on part-time jobs in certain fields under a new draft resolution developed by the Ministry of Poverty Reduction and Employment. The document outlines types of light work permitted for students of general secondary, secondary specialized, and vocational educational institutions.

According to the draft resolution, which was created in line with the Labor Code, students will be allowed to perform light work that does not harm their health or moral development and does not interfere with their studies. A list of 40 approved job types and professions has been compiled, including positions such as waiter, shop assistant, hairdresser, manual packer, member of a peasant farm, and porter.

The draft also outlines labor restrictions to protect the health of young workers. For example, if the work of employees aged 16 to 18 involves only manual lifting and carrying, the weight limit must not exceed 4.1 kilograms. These employees are also prohibited from transporting goods using carts or trolleys.

For students under the age of 16, additional rules apply. If one-third of their working time involves lifting and carrying, the limit is set at 6.5 kilograms for boys and 3.5 kilograms for girls.

Furthermore, 15- to 16-year-old students may only be employed under a formal labor contract and with the written consent of a parent or legal guardian.

Employers who violate these conditions when hiring students from educational institutions will be held legally accountable.

The draft resolution was published for public discussion on May 8 and will remain open for comments until May 23.