The Tajik government has approved a resolution to establish a procedure for voluntary social tax payments by migrant workers, enabling them to secure pensions in Tajikistan. Abdurahmon Halimzoda, Director of the Social Insurance and Pensions Agency, explained the details to Asia-Plus.
Pension calculations for migrants
Halimzoda explained that the size of an old-age insurance pension is determined by Tajikistan’s Pension Law. For example, a migrant who pays a monthly social tax of 75.00 somonis for 25 years would receive an estimated monthly pension of 254 somonis by 2050. Pensions will be indexed annually based on inflation, ensuring they grow over time.
The new system also establishes a fixed minimum social in an amount equal to one calculation indicator (estimate) equaling 75.00 somonis as of January 2025. The amount of the pension depends directly on the contributions made throughout the migrant’s working life. The more migrants contribute, the higher their pension will be.
Social tax vs taxes
Halimzoda clarified the distinction between taxes and social insurance contributions. While taxes are compulsory payments to the state, social insurance contributions are made in exchange for future benefits, such as pensions. If a Tajik migrant works in Russia, their employer pays into the Russian pension system, so they are not required to pay the Tajik social tax.
However, independent workers can voluntarily contribute to the Tajik pension fund, securing their retirement benefits.
New pension agreement with Russia
In 2021, Tajikistan and Russia signed a new agreement on pension rights, which came into force in 2022. This agreement allows Tajik migrants to accumulate pension rights in Russia, regardless of citizenship, by counting their work periods there. More than 568 Tajik migrants have already received pensions based on this agreement.
The new pension system and agreement aim to provide better social protection for Tajik labor migrants, particularly in countries like Russia where many Tajiks work.
