Uzbekistan proposes simplifying the hiring process for food service workers

In Uzbekistan, a proposal has been put forward to simplify the employment process in the food service sector, which is characterized by high staff turnover. The initiative was announced by Dinara Islamova, founder of Dodo Pizza Tashkent, during the sixth open dialogue between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and business representatives, which took place on August 18 in Khiva.

Islamova emphasized that food service businesses primarily hire young people, for whom this is often their first job and is considered temporary or seasonal. Therefore, the entrepreneur believes it is important to reduce bureaucratic barriers in formalizing employment relationships.

Among the proposals was expanding the functionality of the Unified National Labor System. This system already contains employee data and is integrated with government agencies. Islamova proposed giving this data full legal force and completely transitioning from paper-based documentation to an electronic format.

The second proposal concerned simplified electronic formalization of employment relationships with new employees in industries with high staff turnover. "This would be a huge help for us—getting rid of this redundant paperwork," Islamova stated.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed support for both proposals. He noted that their implementation requires systematizing relevant labor relations and, if necessary, amending legislation.

In her speech, Islamova also shared information about the development of the Dodo Pizza Tashkent chain. The company currently has 19 branches, and plans to increase that number to 21 by September.

According to her, the company's staff has increased to 300 in two years. An additional 20 pizzerias are planned to open by 2027, with a focus on expanding business in the regions. At the same time, the company intends to double its headcount.