New Data Highlights Significant NEET Crisis Among Uzbekistan Youth Population
A new report from the Social Policy Laboratory indicates that 33.2% of Uzbekistan’s youth, aged 14 to 30, fall into the NEET category, meaning they are neither employed nor engaged in education or training. This figure highlights systemic barriers that prevent young people from transitioning successfully into the labour market.
Current data from the recent census reveals that Uzbekistan is home to approximately 9.6 mln young people in the 14–30 age demographic. This population consists of roughly 4.9 mln males and 4.7 mln females.
Across the broader youth population, 36.1% are currently employed, while 30.7% are pursuing education or professional training. Analysts argue that the high rate of economic inactivity reflects a deep-seated mismatch between existing educational curricula and the actual requirements of modern employers. This issue is particularly pronounced among those aged 25 to 30, a group that sees a sharp decline in educational participation alongside consistently high rates of unemployment.
Gender disparities and socio-economic hurdles
The research identifies a profound gender gap, with 48.4% of young women classified as NEET compared to only 19.4% of young men. Experts attribute this disparity to significant hurdles women face after completing their education, specifically noting that marriage and the disproportionate burden of childcare and domestic responsibilities often force them out of the workforce.
Financial stability also plays a decisive role in youth activity. Young people from impoverished households face a 53.9% risk of falling into the NEET category, whereas this figure drops to 32% for those from more affluent families. This trend suggests a heightened danger of intergenerational poverty transmission within the country.
Geographically, the study highlights uneven opportunities across the republic. Regions including Namangan, Samarkand, Surkhandarya and Kashkadarya report the most difficult conditions for youth integration. Conversely, Tashkent exhibits the lowest NEET rates and the most robust conditions for securing employment.
To address these challenges, the Social Policy Laboratory recommends comprehensive reforms to the transition mechanisms between education and employment, alongside targeted support for low-income households and policies aimed at expanding the economic rights of young women.
