As part of a large-scale administrative reform and the active introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, the government of Uzbekistan has decided to significantly reduce its official staff. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the corresponding decree. By November 1, 2,141 positions in the executive branch will be abolished.

The cuts will affect key ministries and committees across the country. Executive power expect that digitalization of processes will not only maintain but even improve the efficiency of the public administration system, despite the reduction in personnel.

The most significant changes will take place in the following ministries and committees:

• Tax Committee — 498 positions eliminated.

• Ministry of Water Resources — 224 positions cut.

• Ministry of Agriculture — 200 positions removed.

• Ministry of Justice — 197 positions eliminated.

• Ministry of Ecology — 176 positions reduced.

The decree pays special attention to the fate of dismissed employees. The Ministry of Employment, together with the Federation of Trade Unions, will oversee their retraining and job placement.

This decision reflects a regional trend toward digital transformation. For example, neighboring Kazakhstan has also joined the process: in September, it announced the creation of a Ministry of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development. Experts note that the implementation of AI inevitably leads to a restructuring of traditional public administration systems across Central Asia.

ORIENT