BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 1. Uzbekistan will
expand social support programs for workers in the culture and arts
sector, including housing assistance, healthcare benefits, and
travel privileges, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said during a
meeting with representatives of the country’s creative community,
Trend reports, citing
the Fergana Regional Administration.
Under the new measures, 1,000 poets, writers, artists, museum
employees, and cultural figures annually will receive compensation
covering 50% of the down payment on mortgage loans used for housing
purchase.
The government will also introduce rental assistance for
cultural professionals working outside their home regions. Eligible
employees of creative organizations and cultural institutions will
be reimbursed for housing expenses of up to 2.5 million UZS
(approximately $210) per month in Tashkent and up to 1.6 million
UZS (approximately $134) per month in other regions.
Mirziyoyev also announced expanded healthcare support for the
sector. Each year, 1,000 high-performing cultural workers will be
eligible for free medical treatment funded through the State Health
Insurance Fund, while an additional 2,000 creative professionals
will receive health insurance coverage.
Employees with at least 10 years of service in the sector will
be provided with complimentary stays at health resorts and
sanatoriums.
In addition, starting June 15, recipients of honorary titles
such as People’s Artist, People’s Poet, and People’s Writer will be
granted free access to VIP lounges at airports and railway stations
across the country.
The measures form part of broader efforts by the government to
strengthen social protection for cultural workers and support the
development of Uzbekistan’s creative industries.
