Uzbekistan proposes criminal penalties for illegal migration
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency has proposed introducing criminal liability for organizing illegal migration. The agency has submitted draft amendments to the Criminal Code for public discussion, providing penalties for organizing illegal entry, exit and movement across the state border.
The public discussion of the draft will continue until 8 September, according to the document published by the Migration Agency.
The bill proposes adding a new Article 223-1, titled “Organization of Illegal Migration,” to the Criminal Code.
Under the draft, organizing illegal migration for financial gain, as well as organizing, directing or assisting illegal entry into Uzbekistan, departure from the country, movement across the state border or illegal transit through Uzbekistan could result in restriction of liberty or imprisonment for three to five years.
The proposed provisions would apply to violations of the migration procedures established by law involving foreign citizens, stateless persons or Uzbek citizens.
For the same acts committed on a large scale, by a group of persons, by an official, repeatedly, by a dangerous recidivist, or by an organized group or in its interests, the draft proposes imprisonment for five to 10 years.
If such acts are committed on an especially large scale, in a manner dangerous to life or health, or result in other serious consequences, the draft provides for imprisonment for 10 to 15 years.
The Migration Agency said the amendments are intended to further improve the legal regulation of labor migration, protect the rights of migrant workers and create conditions for citizens planning to work outside Uzbekistan.
At the same time, the agency said legislation should be supplemented with provisions aimed at preventing and combating illegal migration.
The proposed amendments remain at the public-discussion stage. The measures outlined in the draft may be changed following consideration of the proposal.
