The key facts

  • The fine for begging in public places has been raised from 1–3 to 3–5 BRV (1.32–2.2 million soums)
  • For involving minors, the elderly, persons with disabilities or mental disorders — from 5–10 to 10–15 BRV (4.4–6.6 million soums)
  • In both cases, administrative arrest of up to 15 days is possible

Tightened Liability

Uzbekistan has tightened administrative liability for engaging in begging and for involving other persons in this activity. The relevant amendments were made to the Code of Administrative Liability by a law aimed at protecting children from all forms of violence, Zamon.uz and UzNews.uz report.

Fine for Begging

For actively soliciting money, food or other material assets in airports, railway stations, public squares, parks, markets, shopping complexes, streets, parking lots, stadiums, public transport stops, roadways, public transport, including buses and the metro, and other public places, a fine of 3 to 5 basic calculated values has been established. According to UzNews.uz, this is 1.32–2.2 million soums; previously the fine was 1–3 BRV. Administrative arrest for up to 15 days may also be applied.

Involving Vulnerable Persons

A stricter penalty is provided for involving minors, the elderly, persons with mental disorders or disabilities in begging, as well as for coercing other persons into such activity. The fine for these actions has been increased from the previous 5–10 BRV to 10–15 BRV, which, according to UzNews.uz, amounts to 4.4–6.6 million soums. In these cases, administrative arrest for up to 15 days is also provided — its duration remained unchanged.

Coercion Using Substances

According to UzNews.uz, the tightened penalty also extends to cases of involving persons in begging with coercion to consume alcohol or other substances affecting a person's intellectual and volitional activity.