Is finding a job in Uzbekistan becoming more difficult? Vacancies have decreased by 9.8 percent

In the second quarter of 2026, the number of job openings posted by business entities in Uzbekistan fell by 9.8 percent compared to the same period last year.

According to the Central Bank’s "Labor Market Review," this decline in vacancies was primarily driven by shifts in sectors such as retail trade and manufacturing. Meanwhile, activity in online job searching has remained high. The fact that the number of active resumes has grown faster than the number of vacancies suggests a widening gap between job seekers and available positions.

The report notes that a decrease in job openings does not necessarily imply a decline in overall employment. In the first quarter of 2026, the number of people employed in the economy increased by 5.2 percent compared to the same period the previous year. This represents the highest growth rate in the last four years, largely fueled by the industrial and service sectors.

Additionally, the share of entrepreneurs expecting to increase their number of job openings fell from 40 percent in March to 34 percent in June. The share of business entities planning to reduce their workforce has risen from an average of 6.6% in the first quarter to 9.2% in the second quarter. The Central Bank has indicated that this weakening demand for labor could also impact employment figures in the coming quarters.

Currently, measures are being taken in Uzbekistan to improve the system for tracking employment and unemployment. Under the new procedure, assistants to the *hokim* (local governor) will compile a targeted list of unemployed individuals and those in informal employment—identified through a comprehensive survey—and enter this data into the "Online Mahalla" platform. This list will also be generated via the "balans.mehnat.uz" electronic platform. To facilitate this, the information systems of relevant ministries and agencies will be integrated through the "Digital Government" framework.