Photo: oshsu.kg
New requirements for the use of the state language in Kyrgyzstan will take effect in August 2025. President Sadyr Japarov signed the corresponding law on August 9, and it will come into force ten days after its official publication, according to Economist.kg.
The law, adopted by the Jogorku Kenesh (parliament) on June 25, introduces changes to more than 10 legislative acts.
The main changes concern Kyrgyz language proficiency requirements for certain professions and positions. Under the new rules, deputies of local keneshes (councils), lawyers, notaries, law enforcement and national security officers, as well as candidates for government positions, judges and prosecutors, must know the state language.
In the area of geographic names, the law stipulates that names will be assigned only in the state language, and translation into other languages is prohibited. In official documents, media, and maps, such names must be transmitted exclusively through transliteration according to international standards.
Amendments to the Law on Advertising state that advertising may be distributed only in Kyrgyz, at the advertiser’s request, and outdoor advertising texts must also be approved by local authorities for compliance with linguistic norms and spelling. Advertising is to be placed first in the state language, then in the official language (Russian), with the latter in a smaller font.
For broadcasting, a minimum of 60 percent of airtime must be in Kyrgyz. Films and programs not in Kyrgyz must be dubbed. The same 60 percent quota applies to music and voice announcements in public places such as shops, institutions, and organizations.
In the banking and microfinance sector, all contracts must be drafted in Kyrgyz, with translations into Russian or other languages provided if necessary. Clients of microfinance organizations must receive complete information about loans in Kyrgyz, with other languages used only by agreement.
In migration policy, language requirements are being tightened for foreigners seeking residency: the required level of Kyrgyz proficiency will be determined by the Cabinet of Ministers. To obtain immigrant status, proficiency in only the official language will no longer suffice.
In education, written and oral Kyrgyz language exams will be introduced when transferring or graduating from secondary and higher vocational institutions; for primary vocational education, graduation exams will be in the state language. Schools will hold mandatory written and oral promotion and graduation exams in Kyrgyz.
The list of facilities where public information must be displayed first in Kyrgyz and then in Russian is being expanded: signs, announcements, nameplates, hours of operation, warnings, and notices.
Amendments to the Code of Offenses introduce penalties for violations of the language law: a warning for a first offense, and for repeat violations by legal entities within a year, a fine of 170 calculation indices — 17,000 soms ($195). Cases will be handled by the authorized body for language and language policy.
