Pension rules: Suspension and resumption for those leaving Uzbekistan

If a pensioner leaves Uzbekistan and does not return for more than three months, their pension payments are temporarily suspended. This is outlined in the “Regulation on the Procedure for Assigning and Paying State Pensions” of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, adopted on October 13, 2022.

According to the regulation:

• If a pensioner leaves Uzbekistan and remains abroad for more than three months, pension payments are temporarily suspended.
• Payments resume once the pensioner returns to Uzbekistan.

A returning pensioner has the right to claim up to 24 months of unpaid pension for the months missed. However, the payment is only provided for a period not exceeding 24 months before the application date.

It is worth noting that on September 25, 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan adopted a resolution “On Organizational Measures to Develop a Concept for Reforming the State Pension System.” This resolution established a working group tasked with analyzing issues in the current pension system and developing reform proposals based on international best practices. The group is expected to submit a draft concept for pension system reform by March 1, 2025.