Uzbekistan to impose sanctions on foreigners

Uzbekistan is moving forward with plans to maintain a "List of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons Deemed Inadmissible to Stay in Uzbekistan," following the approval of a draft law at the Senate's fifty-seventh plenary session on September 20. The law, titled “On Additions to the Law on the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons in the Republic of Uzbekistan”, introduces sanctions against foreign individuals and stateless persons considered threats to the country’s sovereignty and security.

Under the new legislation, foreign nationals and stateless persons who engage in actions undermining Uzbekistan’s state sovereignty or inciting social, racial, religious, or national enmity will be added to the list. This includes those who insult the honor, dignity, or history of the Uzbek people, or who pose risks to the country's territorial integrity and security.

The list will be managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by procedures set by the Cabinet of Ministers. Individuals are added based on recommendations from the chambers of the Oliy Majlis or other authorized bodies.

Those included on the list face significant restrictions, including a five-year ban from entering Uzbekistan. They will also be prohibited from opening bank accounts, purchasing real estate, participating in state property privatizations, and entering into financial or contractual agreements. However, they are permitted to sell or donate their existing property in Uzbekistan.

Individuals deemed inadmissible will be required to leave the country voluntarily within 10 days of notification from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Failure to comply will result in forced deportation by internal affairs authorities. The inclusion period on the list is five years, though individuals may be removed earlier if the grounds for their listing are resolved.

"The law aims to reinforce Uzbekistan’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security while fostering inter-state, ethnic, and religious harmony. The legislation draws on practices from countries such as Kazakhstan, Russia, Azerbaijan, and China, where restrictions on the entry of foreign citizens who challenge national sovereignty are widely implemented," says Senator Anvar Tuychiev.

The draft law will take effect upon the President’s signature.

This move follows a June initiative by members of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, who proposed amendments to the Law on the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons in Uzbekistan.