Uzbekistan adopts e-contracts for employment arrangements
The introduction of electronic employment contracts is a significant development in Uzbekistan, as both employees and employers are now required to validate their contracts using an electronic digital signature (EDS) within the system. This legislative change was established through a decree issued by the Cabinet of Ministers on December 27, 2024.
The new regulations amend the rules governing the Unified National Labor System (UNLS), which was originally adopted in December 2019. With these amendments, electronic employment contracts will now be generated directly within the UNLS platform. Employers and employees must sign the electronic contract using their EDS through their personal accounts, and any additional agreements must also be authenticated with EDS.
All employers in Uzbekistan are now mandated to enter into electronic employment contracts via the UNLS platform and register any paper contracts within the system. However, there are exceptions for organizations with confidential staffing lists and employers in the national security sector.
Since 2020, the government has required the online registration of employment contracts in the electronic system. Additionally, electronic employment books with open access for employees have been introduced, allowing for the inclusion of information about previous workplaces.
Overall, the shift towards electronic employment contracts in Uzbekistan marks a move towards modernization and efficiency in the country’s labor system. By implementing these technological advancements, the government aims to streamline the contract validation process and ensure greater transparency for both employers and employees.
