Uzbekistan

According to the Central Bank's commentary on international migration and currency operations by individuals, the volume of remittances from Uzbek citizens working in developed countries and a number of Asian states increased by nearly 21.7% compared to the same period last year. This growth is linked to stable demand for labor in migrant-receiving countries, steady wages, rising economic activity, and the strengthening of national currencies in these nations.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan visited the Samarkand Region and reviewed the operations of the 'Marokand Sifat' industrial-agricultural cluster in the Narpay District. The cluster has implemented a waste-free production system, establishing a full cycle from cotton cultivation to the output of finished textile products.

In all districts of Tashkent, from March 30 to May 13, a reduction in drinking water pressure or a temporary complete suspension of supply is expected. This was officially announced by the press service of "Tashkent City Water Supply." These measures are related to large-scale preventive maintenance work on the city's main water pipeline networks, conducted as part of preparations for the spring season of 2026.

Octobank, operating in Uzbekistan, is offering various credit products for businesses and legal entities. The bank's primary aim is to support enterprise development and provide new opportunities, which contributes to economic growth in the region.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, accompanied by public representatives, traveled on a new Hyundai Rotem high-speed train delivered to the country, from Samarkand to Narpay district. This event is part of a comprehensive project to modernize Uzbekistan's railway transport. The train's exterior is white with tinted windows and features blue, green, and red stripes reflecting the colors of the Uzbek flag.

On March 14, an event titled 'I Also Plant a Sapling' was held in Tashkent's Bektemir district, aimed at strengthening the capital's ecological sustainability. The initiative saw participation from city administration leadership, representatives of various state agencies, banks, and entrepreneurs. As part of the project, a 'green belt' is being established on a 25-hectare area, with plans to plant approximately 15,000 trees.

Rumors circulating on social media in Uzbekistan suggesting that teachers could be dismissed for failing an extraordinary certification assessment have been officially refuted by the government. It was emphasized that any demands from school administrators or other officials to fire teachers based on certification results are completely contrary to the law.

In 2025, Uzbekistan saw 2,201 convictions under Article 131 of the Criminal Code (“Pandering or Maintaining Brothels”). Courts imposed various penalties based on the severity of the offenses, ranging from fines and corrective labor to restriction of freedom and actual imprisonment.

Uzbekistan may abolish the mandatory requirement for graduates who studied on state grants to work for at least three years. This proposal is outlined in a draft resolution developed by the Ministry of Economy and Finance, which aims to amend the current regulations. Under the existing system, graduates who received state grants are allocated to educational institutions, enterprises, and organizations with a condition of working for a minimum of 3 years, but the new draft suggests removing this uniform term.

An investigation into a criminal case involving the production and distribution of pornographic materials featuring a minor has been completed in Uzbekistan. According to official information, in August 2025, the Office of the Children's Ombudsman received a report from public activists about this crime.

The Board of the Central Bank of Uzbekistan, at its meeting on March 18, decided to maintain the key interest rate at 14% per annum. According to the regulator's press service, this decision aims to control inflationary pressures and ensure price stability amid persistent economic challenges, with the bank adopting a cautious stance in light of global uncertainties.

In Uzbekistan, workers are set to benefit from an extended holiday period in March 2026 due to the celebrations of Ramadan Hayit (Eid al-Fitr) and Navruz (Nowruz). Employees with a five-day workweek will enjoy a four-day consecutive break, while those on a six-day workweek will have a three-day break. The month of Ramadan began on February 19, 2026, and Ramadan Hayit is expected to fall on Friday, March 20.