In recent years, systematic work has been carried out in Uzbekistan to effectively implement the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Conflict of Interest".

Thus, the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers dated 14 November 2024 No. 758 approved the List of employees of state organizations for whom exceptions are allowed from the rules restricting joint work of close relatives in 17 sectors of the economy and social sphere (hereinafter referred to as the List of Exceptions).

This list includes employees of industrial and manufacturing enterprises, as well as organizations in the infrastructure sector – including the railway, oil and gas industries and other areas classified in certain categories.

Previously, a similar List was already approved by the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers dated 11 March 1997 No. 133, which included employees of 16 industries and areas.

However, both the previous and the new List did not include employees of mining and metallurgical enterprises and organizations with the status of "town-forming" or equivalent strategic enterprise. Also, employees of auxiliary and infrastructure units included in their structure were not included.

As is known, the Labor Code prohibits the joint work of close relatives and relatives by marriage in the same state institution. At the same time, according to Article 121 of the Labor Code, exceptions to this rule may be established by the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

It is on this basis, as well as guided by Article 20 of the Law "On Regulatory Legal Acts", that JSC “Almalyk MMC”, together with the Ministry of Mining and Metallurgical Industry of the Republic of Uzbekistan, initiated the development of a draft resolution on amendments to the List of Exceptions, approved by Resolution No. 758 of 14 November 2024.

In accordance with the Regulations of the Cabinet of Ministers, the draft regulatory legal act was agreed upon with the interested ministries and departments through the Project.uz platform, and also received a positive opinion from the Ministry of Justice on the advisability of its adoption.

It is important to note that the project covered only the category of workers, who make up approximately 70-75% of the entire workforce of the plant. At the same time, the current legislation regarding conflicts of interest and the ban on joint work of relatives are fully preserved in relation to administrative and managerial personnel, managers and engineering and technical workers.

The adoption of the Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers No. PKM-400 of June 30, 2025 creates a regulatory framework for solving a number of urgent problems:

• Ensuring compliance with the rights and legitimate interests of employees and highly qualified specialists of mining and metallurgical enterprises when implementing the provisions of the Law "On Conflict of Interest";
• Timely and complete satisfaction of the industry's need for qualified personnel;
• Prevention of staff turnover at enterprises of the mining and metallurgical industry;
• Maintaining a stable socio-political situation at enterprises of the industry;
• Stable growth and development of production indicators;
• Ensuring a solid legal basis for the successful implementation of strategically important investment projects implemented with the direct support and under the control of the country's leadership and government.

J.H. Juraev

Head of Compliance Service