Civil servants to sign one-year trial contracts from 2026

Under a new reform, individuals entering the civil service in Uzbekistan will initially sign a one-year employment contract. If their performance is deemed satisfactory, the contract will then be extended for an indefinite period. This change is outlined in the Presidential Decree “On measures to organize the state civil service based on new approaches and form a professional and performance-oriented corps of civil servants,” adopted on June 19.

According to the decree, starting from January 1, 2026, the new one-year trial contract system will apply to all new entrants in the civil service. The extension to a permanent contract will be based on positive performance evaluations.

Additionally, those newly admitted to the civil service will be required to complete a special training course titled “Entry into the Civil Service.” Thereafter, they must undergo advanced training at least once every three years. Their knowledge and skills will be assessed following these courses.

The diagnostics will evaluate a wide range of competencies, including sector-specific knowledge, document drafting, proficiency in the state language, analytical thinking, leadership, communication, computer literacy, knowledge of legislative updates, Uzbek history, foreign languages, general erudition, psychological condition, and IQ.

These diagnostic results, along with key performance indicators (KPIs), will be tracked through an online Monitoring System for the continuous development of civil servants’ professional competencies. Based on the analysis, each employee will be provided with a professional development map—a portfolio outlining their existing knowledge and skills.

Using this development map, the civil servant will be required to undertake mandatory training in both "soft" and "hard" skills, including through independent study programs.

Moreover, any training, education, professional development, or internships of civil servants abroad—especially those funded by grants or donor funds—must first be coordinated with the Civil Service Development Agency.