With the arrival of summer and the start of school holidays, teenagers engaged in various so-called seasonal jobs can be increasingly seen on the streets and markets of the country.

Based on the legislation, we have determined the order of children’s labor activities in Tajikistan.

The Health of Teenagers on the Scales of the Law

The first thing that both parents and employers need to know is the minimum age for teenagers to start working. Many believe that a child can be employed at any age, but the legislation of Tajikistan draws a clear red line here.

According to the Labor Code, the official age to start working is 16 years. However, there are exceptions: teenagers aged 15 and even 14 can also work provided it does not interfere with their education, the work is light, and there is written consent from one of the parents or a guardian.

Therefore, the first step in understanding the rights of a working child is knowing their age.

Working Hours: How Many Hours Can Children Work?

Defining the age is not enough, as a teenager’s body requires more rest and shorter working hours. The country’s legislation establishes a reduced working time regime for minors.

Unlike adults who work 40 hours a week, for teenagers under 16, this figure is more than halved. Even during holidays, when children are free from classes, their daily and weekly working hours are seriously limited to ensure they have enough time for play, rest, and spiritual development.

An employer does not have the right to force a child to stay at the market or enterprise from morning till evening.

What Jobs Are Prohibited for Minors?

Another issue directly related to protecting the health of the younger generation is the list of jobs that are strictly prohibited for individuals under 18.

Summer holidays should not become a reason for teenagers to work in dangerous places, underground, in mines, chemical enterprises, or in harmful working conditions.

The law prohibits not only heavy physical labor but also night work (from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM), overtime work, as well as work on weekends and holidays.

The position of society and labor inspectors on this issue should be firm: a child should not work where it can harm their mental and physical development.

Employment Contract: Who Guarantees the Child’s Rights?

All these rules and guarantees apply only if the employment relationship is legally formalized.

Unfortunately, in Tajikistan, most working teenagers are employed in the informal sector (in markets, cafes, or car washes) without any documents. This leaves them defenseless against deception by employers and violations of their rights.

The legislation requires the mandatory conclusion of a written employment contract with teenagers. Such a contract must clearly specify duties, exact working hours, and the amount of salary, which cannot be below the established minimum level. Only a contract can protect a child from labor exploitation.

Weight Standards: The Load Must Match Physical Capabilities

Among all working conditions, the weight of loads carried by teenagers is of particular concern. In summer, it is not uncommon to see children pulling heavy market carts or carrying large boxes of fruits and vegetables.

According to a special government decree in Tajikistan, the permissible weight standards for teenagers are significantly limited and clearly defined depending on gender and age.

The permissible weight of the load also depends on whether such work is permanent or performed occasionally.

Helping the family and learning a craft should not affect their health and future. Parents’ awareness of these five main provisions of the legislation and the demand for their compliance by employers is the first and most important step towards protecting children’s rights.