Uzbekistan proposes dismissal of foreign language teachers lacking B2 certificates

Uzbekistan has put forward a proposal to dismiss foreign language teachers who do not possess B2 certificates.

This proposal, currently open for public feedback, seeks to modify Clause 9 of Resolution No. 312 by the Cabinet of Ministers, which was enacted on May 19, 2021.

Should it be approved, the amendment would establish a clear legal foundation for terminating the employment of foreign language teachers, in line with labor laws, if they do not acquire the necessary national or globally recognized language certification.

Although the 2021 regulation mandated a minimum B2 proficiency level for foreign language educators, it did not explicitly grant schools the authority to end employment contracts or suspend teachers solely for not meeting this benchmark.

To bridge this legal void, the Ministry of Preschool and School Education issued Order No. 9 on January 13, 2026, which introduced revisions to the qualification standards for staff in general secondary schools and boarding schools.

The proposed resolution will be available for public discourse until August 12.

According to the 2021 government resolution, foreign language teachers were initially required to obtain at least a B2-level national or internationally recognized language certificate by the 2025/2026 academic year. In July 2025, the Republican Council of the Trade Union of Education and Science Employees appealed to the Ministry of Preschool and School Education not to dismiss teachers lacking international certificates.

Subsequently, the ministry permitted uncertified teachers to continue their work until the close of 2025. Following appeals from educators and the public, this deadline was further extended until the commencement of the 2026/2027 academic year.

Previously, Uzbekistan endorsed a system of yearly external evaluations for third-year students in teacher-training programs. This initiative aims to bolster the quality of pedagogical education and enhance the preparation of future teachers.

The government has also implemented measures to support educators. These include a 50% reduction in certification (attestation) fees and an expansion of financial incentives, such as mortgage assistance covering 25% of the initial payment for experienced teachers. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to improve retention within the education sector.