The key facts

  • The fine for begging has been raised from 1−3 to 3−5 BRV, or arrest of up to 15 days
  • For involving minors, the elderly, persons with mental disorders and disabilities — a fine of 10−15 BRV (previously 5−10 BRV)
  • The law was signed by the president on October 14 and took effect on the same date

Increase in Fines

Uzbekistan has increased fines for begging — actively asking for money, food and other material valuables on the streets, in transport and public places — as well as for involving people in this activity. Liability is provided for by Article 188−3 of the Code of Administrative Liability. The corresponding law was signed by the president on October 14, and the new fines took effect on the same date.

New Amounts of Punishment

Engaging in begging is now punishable by a fine of 3 to 5 basic calculation values or administrative arrest of up to 15 days. Previously, the fine was 1 to 3 BRV with the same arrest term. For involving minors, the elderly, persons with mental disorders, people with disabilities and others in begging, as well as involvement with coercion to consume alcohol or substances that are not narcotic or psychotropic but affect intellectual and volitional activity, a fine of 10 to 15 BRV or arrest of up to 15 days has been established (previously — 5 to 10 BRV or arrest of up to 15 days).

Context

Administrative and criminal liability for begging was introduced in Uzbekistan in early 2019. Social issues expert Dilmurad Yusupov wrote in a column for Gazeta that year that solving the problem of begging requires a range of social services and systematic social work, as well as support for objective academic research in this field.