Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 20 September, the Senate of the Oliy Majlis approved amendments to the law concerning the legal status of foreign citizens and stateless persons in Uzbekistan.

Senator Anvar Tuychiev noted that recently, some foreigners have made public statements and taken actions that contradict the state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security of Uzbekistan. These actions incite inter-state, social, national, racial, and religious hatred, as well as discredit the honor and dignity of the people of Uzbekistan.

He emphasized that current legislation lacks legal mechanisms to address the actions of foreigners and stateless persons who engage in such activities.

Under the approved law, foreign citizens and stateless persons who engage in such actions will be recognized as undesirable for staying in Uzbekistan and will be placed on a special register. The government will determine the procedures for adding individuals to this register, which will be managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Individuals will be added to the list based on proposals from the councils of the Legislative Chamber and Senate of the Oliy Majlis, as well as from authorized state bodies.

The law provides for a five-year ban on entry for such individuals into Uzbekistan, as well as restrictions on opening bank accounts, purchasing real estate, participating in the privatization of state property, and entering into financial and contractual relations.

If a foreign citizen or stateless person is residing temporarily or permanently in Uzbekistan, they will be given 10 days to leave the country. Otherwise, they will be deported, meaning they will be forcibly expelled.

Undesirable individuals will remain on the register for five years, but if they resolve the issues that led to their inclusion, they may be removed earlier.

The law will come into effect after being signed by the President of Uzbekistan.