Photo Courtesy of milliygvardiya.uz
Uzbekistan has enacted legislation prohibiting military personnel, customs officials, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, and members of the National Guard from engaging in business activities, alongside a series of other restrictions. The law is available in the Lex.uz legal database.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the legislation on November 29, though it will take effect on January 3, 2025.
The preamble to the document emphasizes that these measures are aimed at enhancing combat readiness, improving the efficiency of service within the Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies, and bolstering educational efforts among military personnel and officers.
The law forbids members of these groups from engaging in entrepreneurial activities, establishing business entities, serving as founders, or holding leadership positions in companies.
Additionally, the law bars these personnel from pursuing other paid activities, except for creative, educational, or scientific endeavors.
The legislation outlines further prohibitions, including:
👉 Serving alongside close relatives;
👉 Accepting gifts or rewards in connection with official duties;
👉 Utilizing benefits not prescribed by law;
👉 Participating in gambling, including online games;
👉 Applying for foreign citizenship or residency;
👉 Opening foreign bank accounts, except for purposes such as paying for education or medical expenses;
👉 Acting on behalf of political parties;
👉 Conducting religious rituals or ceremonies, except as permitted by law;
👉 Organizing religious events or possessing religious materials.
Violations of these restrictions may result in disciplinary or legal action under Uzbek law.
The legislation also specifies conditions under which a conscript may be denied a transition to contract-based military service. Such denials may occur if the individual is involved in a criminal case, has a criminal record, refuses to comply with the restrictions imposed on Armed Forces personnel, or is deemed unsuitable by a special decision from military command.
