Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Cadastre Agency of Uzbekistan has responded to circulating social media claims regarding the alleged transfer or sale of land to foreign nationals.

The agency noted that in recent days, statements suggesting that "the land of our country is being transferred or sold to foreigners" have been actively spreading online. However, such claims are made by individuals who lack sufficient knowledge of the legislation governing the allocation of land plots to foreign citizens. If they were familiar with the relevant legal provisions, they would not be misleading the public.

According to Uzbekistan’s Land Code, land plots are allocated strictly in accordance with the applicable legislation. Under Article 17 of the code, foreign nationals, legal entities, stateless persons, and enterprises with foreign investment can only acquire land rights on a leasehold basis.

Article 24 of the Land Code further clarifies that the right to lease land plots may be granted to enterprises with foreign investment, international associations and organizations, as well as foreign individuals and legal entities.

Regarding the frequently asked question, "Could lease agreements eventually lead to privatization?" the agency assured that such concerns are unfounded. The Law "On the Privatization of Land Plots Unsuitable for Agriculture" explicitly prohibits the privatization of land by foreign nationals, stateless persons, foreign legal entities, enterprises with foreign investment, as well as state bodies, institutions, enterprises, and citizens' self-governing bodies.

Moreover, there is no cause for concern regarding agricultural land, as even Uzbek citizens do not have the right to privatize it.

Thus, the claims circulating on social media about Uzbek land being transferred to foreigners are baseless and lack factual grounds.

The motives of those spreading such information remain unclear. However, the agency reminds that knowingly disseminating false information is subject to administrative liability (Article 202, Part 2 of the Administrative Responsibility Code) and criminal liability (Article 244, Part 6 of the Criminal Code).

In this regard, the agency urges citizens not to succumb to provocations and advises social media users to refrain from sharing misleading information. Such rumors can undermine public trust in legislation, provoke public discontent, and negatively impact the country’s investment climate.