Uzbekistan moves to expand veterans’ rights and benefits

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis has approved in the first reading a draft law “On Veterans,” aimed at systematizing and expanding social and legal support measures for citizens granted veteran status.

Defense Minister Sh. Kholmakhmedov presented the bill, noting during discussions that the state consistently provides support to veterans, particularly representatives of the older generation who have made significant contributions to the country’s development.

At present, benefits and guarantees for veterans are set out in various legal acts and applied in a fragmented manner. The proposed legislation seeks to consolidate these provisions into a unified legal framework.

The draft law defines veteran status, categories of eligible citizens, and the powers of authorized government bodies. It is designed to strengthen legal and social protections for veterans and streamline the system of benefits provided to them.

Under the proposal, veteran status may be granted to citizens who have worked diligently over a long period and made a meaningful contribution to the development of the state and society.

Those granted the status would be entitled to a range of social guarantees, including free treatment at sanatoriums and health resorts, compensation for housing and utility costs, and tax and pension benefits.

Additional measures include benefits for access to medicines during outpatient treatment and access to cultural and sports institutions, including museums, theaters, and cultural heritage sites.

During parliamentary discussions, lawmakers and representatives of relevant factions put forward several proposals. In particular, they raised the issue of criteria for classifying citizens as “labor veterans” and the need to expand eligibility based on work contributions rather than solely on the receipt of state awards.

Following the debate, the draft law was approved in the first reading and sent for further consideration in accordance with established procedures.