President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has approved a new decree aimed at significant changes in family policy. According to this document, starting in 2027, couples marrying after the age of 21 will be able to expect improved conditions for state support. If such families are included in the Social Registry, the amount of their subsidies, grants, and loans may increase by one and a half times. Additionally, those who decide to formalize a marriage contract in advance will be exempt from paying the state duty when registering their marriage.
One of the key aspects of the new decree is the fight against early marriages, which currently account for up to 40% of all registered unions in Uzbekistan. Authorities plan to introduce administrative responsibility for attempts to persuade minors to marry and for promoting such relationships. Starting from September 1, 2026, citizens reporting violations in this area will be able to receive a reward of 15% of the amount of the imposed fine. Medical and educational institution employees, as well as religious organizations, will also be required to notify law enforcement about cases of early pregnancy and attempts to marry individuals under the age of 16. To monitor the situation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will create a special electronic module called O"smir-signal.
Changes will also affect the education sector: starting from the 2026/27 academic year, pregnant students and mothers of children under three years old will have the opportunity to resume their studies on individual terms. A large-scale program for preparing for family life, which excludes violence, will be launched in the country. By 2030, it is planned that all couples getting married will undergo free courses at specialized centers.
