Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan’s Oliy Majlis has approved the draft law "On Residence Registration and Notification Procedures for Citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Foreign Citizens, and Stateless Persons" in its first reading.

The draft law was developed to implement Presidential Decree No. UP–67 dated May 8, 2023, "On Priority Measures for Implementing the Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Its New Edition," and aims to establish a unified procedure for permanent and temporary residence registration.

According to Article 32 of the revised Constitution, everyone legally present in Uzbekistan has the right to move freely within the country and choose their place of residence and stay.

In recent years, under President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s leadership, significant reforms have been undertaken to abolish the outdated registration system and eliminate bureaucratic obstacles, including removing employers’ liability for hiring citizens without registration.

Residence registration is now conducted through public service centers and online in coordination with law enforcement agencies. The previous requirement for a departure sticker has been replaced by biometric passports and ID cards for domestic use.

Citizens can now freely move within the country, purchase property in the capital and Tashkent region, find employment, access medical and other social services, and travel abroad without hindrance.

The residence registration system is crucial for population statistics, regional infrastructure development, pension planning, medical and social service provision, resource allocation, employment, and military registration.

The existing Law "On the List of Categories of Citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan Subject to Registration at the Place of Permanent Residence in Tashkent City and Tashkent Region" continues to create bureaucratic barriers.

The draft law proposes the abolition of this law and the introduction of a unified residence registration procedure across the entire republic. It also suggests improving the temporary residence registration process by implementing a notification system.

This change aims to eliminate differences in registration procedures between Tashkent and Tashkent region and other regions, establishing a uniform process nationwide.

Additionally, to support vulnerable populations, the draft law proposes relaxing penalties for violations of the passport system rules specified in Article 223 of the Administrative Responsibility Code. Persons under 18, over 60, those fully supported by the state, as well as individuals who have served sentences in correctional facilities or have been affected by emergencies, will be exempt from penalties for passport system violations.

Lawmakers believe that passing this draft law will reform the residence registration process, protect the rights of socially vulnerable groups, and optimize crime prevention measures.

The draft law has been approved in the first reading.