Senate Approves 5-Year Entry Ban for Foreigners Disrespecting Uzbekistan’s Sovereignty
The Uzbekistan Senate has recently passed a law to ban foreign citizens who insult the honor, dignity, or history of Uzbekistan and its people from entering the country. The law, titled “On Amendments and Additions to the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons in the Republic of Uzbekistan,” was reviewed and approved by the Senate.
Senator Anvar Toychiev stated that there have been instances where foreign nationals have made public statements or taken actions that undermine the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of Uzbekistan. These actions have incited hatred on an international, national, and religious level, and have insulted the honor, dignity, and history of the Uzbek people.
Under the new law, a list of undesirable foreign citizens and stateless persons will be maintained by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This list will include those who have made statements or taken actions that go against the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of Uzbekistan, as well as those who have incited hatred or insulted the Uzbek people. The Oliy Majlis and specialized government bodies will submit names for inclusion on this list.
Foreign citizens or stateless persons on the list will be prohibited from entering Uzbekistan for a period of five years. They will also face restrictions on activities such as opening bank accounts, purchasing real estate, and engaging in financial and contractual relations. However, the sale or donation of private property in Uzbekistan remain exceptions to these restrictions.
If a foreign citizen or stateless person on the list is already in Uzbekistan, they will be given 10 days to leave the country. Failure to do so will result in deportation by the internal affairs authorities. The period of being on the list is five years, but individuals may be removed early if the reasons for their inclusion are addressed.
The law has been approved by the Senate and is now awaiting the president’s signature for final approval. This measure aims to protect the honor, dignity, and history of Uzbekistan and its people from insults and defamation by foreign individuals.
