Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the level of compliance of national legislation in Central Asian countries with international labour standards. The study was carried out by applying a set of methods, including comparative legal analysis of national legal acts of these countries and analysis of relevant statistical indicators on the labour market. It is established that despite the ratification by Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan of the key conventions of the International Labour Organization and formal enshrining of basic labour rights at the legislative level, there are significant problems with their practical implementation and the effectiveness of law enforcement. The identified problems include restrictions on the freedom of association and collective bargaining, systemic violations of migrant workers’ rights (including exploitation and limited access to social protection), and a high level of informal employment. Statistical analysis has shown that the share of informal employment in Uzbekistan is estimated at 60%, and in Kyrgyzstan at around 30%. The unemployment rate in 2023 in Kyrgyzstan was recorded at 4.1%, while in Uzbekistan it was 8.9% in 2022. There was a significant gender pay gap, reaching about 25.2% in Kazakhstan and 36.6% in Uzbekistan. Differences in occupational injury rates were also recorded: the highest rate in Kazakhstan was 0.415 cases per 1,000 employees, in Kyrgyzstan – 0.221, and in Uzbekistan – 0.078. Based on the analysis, the authors formulate recommendations for Central Asian countries aimed at further improving their labour legislation in line with international standards, strengthening mechanisms for monitoring its observance, developing social dialogue and ensuring more effective protection of workers’ rights, especially those of migrant.