Foreign citizens seeking work in Uzbekistan will soon face new health requirements. Starting August 2025, the country will deny work permits to foreign nationals and stateless persons who test positive for HIV or tuberculosis. The Senate of Uzbekistan passed this law on August 1, 2025, and it now awaits the President’s signature before taking effect. The move aims to protect public health, but it also raises questions about employment access and rights for those affected.
What the New Law Means
The law covers several groups. It applies to foreign nationals and stateless persons who want to work in Uzbekistan, as well as Uzbek citizens aged 18 to 60 who have spent more than 90 days in a row outside the country. All these groups will face mandatory medical tests for HIV and tuberculosis. For Uzbek citizens and permanent residents, the government will pay for these tests. However, foreign nationals and stateless persons must pay for their own tests, unless their employer or another legal source covers the cost.
If a foreign worker tests positive for HIV or tuberculosis, they will be denied a work permit. This means they cannot legally work in Uzbekistan. Employers who want to hire foreign workers must make sure these health checks are done and may need to pay for the tests. The law also gives private employment agencies more responsibility. They must now educate people traveling abroad about the rules and conditions in their destination countries as part of their licensing requirements.
Why Uzbekistan Is Making This Change
The Senate says the main goal is to stop the spread of infectious diseases that could harm public health. Lawmakers believe these steps will help protect the population and create better legal tools for social protection during labor migration. According to the Senate, “This law is designed to prevent the spread of diseases dangerous to public health and to protect our citizens.”
Recent statistics show why the government is concerned. In 2024, about 1.7 million Uzbek citizens returned from abroad. Only 25% of them took voluntary HIV tests, and 1,512 tested positive. Among 12,700 foreign citizens who took voluntary tests, 81 were found to have HIV. The Senate believes these numbers are likely lower than the real figures because testing was not mandatory before.
How the Law Will Work
Once the President signs the law, it will take effect soon after. Here’s what will happen:
- Foreign nationals and stateless persons: Must undergo HIV and tuberculosis testing before getting a work permit. If they test positive, they will be denied the permit.
- Uzbek citizens returning from abroad: If they spent more than 90 days outside the country, they must take the same tests. The government will pay for these tests.
- Employers: Must make sure foreign workers have completed the required health checks. They may need to pay for the tests.
- Private employment agencies: Must educate people about health and legal rules for working abroad.
Practical Effects for Workers and Employers
For foreign workers, this law creates a new barrier to employment in Uzbekistan. If they have HIV or tuberculosis, they will not be able to get a work permit. This could affect people who already live and work in the country, as well as those planning to move there for jobs.
Employers must now pay close attention to health screening rules. They may need to cover the cost of medical tests for their foreign employees. Failing to follow these rules could mean fines or other penalties.
For Uzbek citizens returning from long stays abroad, the law means they must take health tests before working again in Uzbekistan. This could delay their return to work or affect their job prospects if they test positive.
Concerns and Reactions
While the government says the law is about public health, some people worry about possible discrimination. Denying work permits based on HIV or tuberculosis status could make life harder for people living with these conditions. Human rights groups often argue that such policies can lead to stigma and limit access to jobs and healthcare.
As of early August 2025, there have been no detailed expert analyses or public opposition reported. However, the law’s impact on foreign workers and those with HIV or tuberculosis is likely to draw attention from rights groups and international organizations.
Broader Immigration Context in Uzbekistan
This new law is part of a larger set of changes to Uzbekistan’s immigration and labor rules. In June 2025, the country introduced a five-year residence permit for investors. Uzbekistan has also expanded visa-free travel for citizens of some countries, including China 🇨🇳. These steps are meant to attract more investment and visitors, even as the country tightens health-related rules for foreign workers.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, these changes show Uzbekistan’s effort to balance economic growth with public health concerns. The new health screening law stands out as a strong measure to control infectious diseases, but it also adds new challenges for foreign workers and employers.
What Should Affected People Do?
Foreign nationals who want to work in Uzbekistan should prepare for the new health screening rules. Here are some practical steps:
- Check the latest requirements: Visit the official Ministry of Employment and Labor Relations website for updates on work permit rules and health screening procedures.
- Plan for medical tests: Make sure to budget for the cost of HIV and tuberculosis tests, unless your employer agrees to pay.
- Employers: Review your hiring processes to include the new health checks. Work with trusted medical providers to ensure tests are done correctly.
- Private employment agencies: Update your training and information materials to cover the new rules for both outbound and inbound workers.
Looking Ahead
The law is expected to take effect soon after the President signs it. Foreign workers, employers, and agencies should start preparing now. While the aim is to protect public health, the law also brings new challenges for people living with HIV or tuberculosis who want to work in Uzbekistan.
For more information about work permits, health screening, and other immigration rules, consult official government sources or speak with a qualified immigration advisor. Staying informed and prepared will help you meet the new requirements and avoid problems.
In summary, Uzbekistan’s new law on work permits and health screening marks a major change for foreign workers and returning citizens. By requiring HIV and tuberculosis tests, the country hopes to stop the spread of infectious diseases. However, the law also raises important questions about fairness, access to work, and the rights of people living with these conditions. As the law takes effect, all affected groups should stay alert to updates and seek guidance to ensure compliance and protect their interests.
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