Statistical Data
Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Protection, and Migration Ainura Orozbaeva provided official data: there are over 221,000 people with disabilities living in Kyrgyzstan, of which about 29,000 are ready and willing to work. "This is a significant labor potential that the state seeks to support by creating conditions for equal access to jobs and social protection," she added.Orozbaeva emphasized that the state program "Accessible Country" aims to create conditions for the full participation of people with disabilities in societal life, including the labor sector. However, legislative and practical measures are needed to expand employment opportunities.
Bekeshev, one of the discussion participants, noted that current measures are clearly insufficient. "We plan to submit a new draft law for public discussion. It will, in particular, provide for the possibility of deducting expenses for workplace adaptation—up to 100,000 soms—from income tax. This means that if an entrepreneur spends this amount on equipment for an employee with a disability, they will be exempt from income tax on that amount," the deputy explained.
Additionally, he proposed amendments to the Law "On State Service," allowing individuals with disabilities to enter the personnel reserve based on a personal application, without competitions, provided they meet the qualification requirements. This would allow for their appointment to positions similarly to graduates of specialized educational institutions.
According to Bekeshev, a fund should also be created to support the employment of people with disabilities. "If an employer cannot meet the quota, they could make a contribution, for example, equal to the subsistence minimum for one unemployed person. These funds could be directed to support employers creating jobs, as well as directly creating such positions. With the development of digital technologies, opportunities for remote work are significantly increasing, and people with disabilities can successfully work in a variety of fields. Employers need to be motivated," he added, expressing hope for support for his initiatives from colleagues.
Monitoring Labor Rights in Regions
Mirdin Akhmetov, head of the department for socio-economic rights at the Ombudsman’s office, reported that on December 1 and 2, 2025, monitoring of the compliance with labor rights for people with disabilities was conducted in 18 organizations across the country, including six in Bishkek and Chui region, as well as 12 in other regions. Three government agencies, eight private companies, and seven educational institutions were checked.According to him, the results showed that in four organizations the quota of 4% is not being met, and the average employment rate of people with disabilities is only 1.7% in each of the organizations. The quota is fully met only at Vocational Lyceum No. 57 in Batken, where out of 53 employees, five are people with disabilities (9.4%).
Proposals for Improving the Situation
Public advisor to the Ombudsman Askar Turdugulov noted that despite certain successes in the employment of people with disabilities, there is still much work to be done. He proposed a number of recommendations, including providing subsidies from the state and international organizations.Turdugulov pointed out that in neighboring Central Asian countries, companies that employ people with disabilities receive subsidies for creating accessible environments. "For example, if ramps are missing or doorways need to be widened," he explained.
The expert also mentioned the federal ADA law in the USA, where every government agency has a division that monitors its implementation. This helps effectively address accessibility issues, including in the digital sphere. "The main problem lies not only in the existence of the law but also in its implementation. Clear monitoring is necessary," Turdugulov added.
He also suggested that companies organize one-day events for people with disabilities, where they could learn about available inclusive job vacancies, showcase their resumes, and go through interviews.
In conclusion, Turdugulov emphasized the importance of the Job Coaching program for people with disabilities. This program is aimed at training professional coaches who help people with disabilities find jobs and adapt to them, creating an inclusive environment. "In the first month or two, coaches work alongside them, advising on how to integrate into the team," he noted, adding that the implementation of Job Coaching in employment centers is extremely important.
Photo on the main page is illustrative: rg.ru.
