In Uzbekistan, the transfer of some vocational colleges to large entrepreneurs for a period of fifteen years is planned. These institutions will be responsible for training specialists who can immediately start working after graduation. According to the plans, it is expected that at least thirty thousand people will be trained this way annually.
Information about this initiative was announced on November 2 at a meeting chaired by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev concerning labor migration issues. The state head's press secretary, Sherzod Asadov, reported that the transfer of two or three colleges under the control of major businessmen is provided for in each region.
One of the potential participants in this program is the Tashkent Pipe Plant, located in the Sergely district. This enterprise has expressed readiness to train two and a half thousand welders, fitters, and electricians annually, using its own masters.
Graduates of these colleges will receive state-certified qualification certificates. Entrepreneurs participating in the program will receive tax benefits on funds invested in staff training and equipment purchase. Furthermore, grants will be allocated for every graduate who successfully finds employment abroad.
Discussion of Private Employment Agency Operations
The activities of private employment agencies were also discussed at the same meeting. Over the past two years, their number has tripled following the simplification of the licensing procedure, and the number of citizens employed through these organizations abroad has increased fivefold. Nevertheless, the President drew attention to cases of fraud, deception of citizens, and other violations in this area. A special law was adopted to eliminate these problems, establishing a legal framework for the functioning of the agencies.
Starting in 2027, the task of sending citizens abroad for work will be entirely entrusted to the most reliable private employment agencies. For each person who obtains a high-paying position, the agency will be paid an amount of 1.5 million soms.
To provide youth with necessary professions and foreign languages, part of the college buildings will be provided for free rent. A social tax of one percent will be imposed on invited experts and teachers from abroad, and necessary educational equipment will be exempted from customs duties.
It was stated the intention to make the work of private agencies completely transparent by implementing a rating system. The rating will take into account parameters such as actual employment of citizens, observance of their rights, level of their salary, and availability of social guarantees. The President instructed that a draft resolution aimed at improving the agencies' work be prepared within a month. It was also proposed to consider their activities as a social service and simplify the corresponding tax regime.
