First-half results and upcoming priorities in labour and social protection discussed
A meeting of the Board of the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population was held to review the results achieved in the areas of labour, employment and social protection during the first half of the year, as well as the priorities for the period ahead.
Chairman of the Board and Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population Anar Aliyev highlighted that the social reforms initiated under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev have significantly strengthened Azerbaijan's social protection system in recent years, with this progress continuing steadily throughout 2026.
The Minister noted that pensions were increased once again at the beginning of 2026. During the first half of the year, 3 billion 916 million manats were allocated for pension payments, which is 368 million manats more than in the corresponding period of last year. Overall, 2.2 million people received pensions, benefits, stipends and targeted social assistance, while expenditures increased across all categories of social support.
It was also noted that proactive services delivered through electronic systems have continued to expand. As one of the year's major achievements, the State Social Protection Fund, operating under the Ministry, was awarded the United Nations Public Service Award for its proactive, transparent, accessible, fair and inclusive public services.
Following the Presidential Decree of 19 March 2026, a new stage of reforms aimed at enhancing the management of the mandatory health insurance system was launched. As a result of the merger of the State Agency on Mandatory Health Insurance and the State Medical-Social Expertise and Rehabilitation Agency, the State Health Insurance and Expertise Agency was established under the Ministry.
Work is currently underway to fully digitalise mandatory health insurance services. The main priorities include ensuring greater transparency and efficiency in the referral process and improving the quality of healthcare services provided to the population.
Efforts to promote employment for residents returning to the liberated territories also continued to expand during the year. More than 11,100 residents have been provided with employment opportunities, while over 900 people have joined the self-employment programme. Expanding employment programmes in these territories remains one of the Ministry's key priorities, with close cooperation continuing with employers.
Further steps were also taken during the first half of the year to expand the DOST network. New DOST branches were opened in Tartar in January and Neftchala in June, while preparations are underway for the opening of additional DOST centres and branches.
The meeting also reviewed the activities carried out during the first half of the year by the Ministry and the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of Population of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, discussed upcoming priorities, and approved 86 newly developed and 52 updated occupational and qualification standards.
