Our People > Sadokat Jalolova

Sadokat Jalolova

Journalist

Jalolova has worked as a reporter for some time in local newspapers and websites in Uzbekistan, and has enriched her knowledge in the field of journalism through courses at the University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Amsterdam on the Coursera platform.

Articles

Uzbekistan Enacts Law on “Undesirable” Foreigners

On November 15 a new law regulating foreign citizens deemed "undesirable" came into effect in Uzbekistan. The government claims that the strict measures, previously reported on by The Times of Central Asia in June, are aimed at safeguarding the country’s "sovereignty, security, and unity". The legislative process began on June 25 when Uzbekistan’s Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis (parliament) approved amendments to the law on the legal status of foreign citizens and stateless persons. These amendments introduced the concept of “undesirable elements” among foreign nationals. The Senate subsequently approved the legislation on September 21, paving the way for its implementation. Under the new law, foreign citizens and stateless persons can be classified as undesirable if they can be said to: • Threaten Uzbekistan’s sovereignty, security, or unity; • Incite enmity or hostility; or • Disrespect the honor, dignity, or history of the Uzbek people. Those designated as undesirable face a five-year ban on entering Uzbekistan, opening bank accounts, purchasing property, participating in privatizations, or engaging in financial and contractual transactions. They are, however, permitted to sell or transfer any property they own within the country. If the grounds for being deemed undesirable are not addressed during the five-year ban, the restriction is automatically extended for another five years. Conversely, individuals may apply for early removal from the list if they resolve the identified issues or if the government recommends their delisting. Individuals deemed undesirable must leave Uzbekistan voluntarily within 10 days of receiving notification. Failure to comply will result in forcible deportation.

2 months ago

Uzbekistan’s Public Debt Projected to Reach $45.1 Billion by 2025

According to the “Budget for Citizens” publication issued by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Economy and Finance, Uzbekistan’s public debt is projected to reach $45.1 billion by the end of 2025. Updated estimates indicate that state debt will amount to $39.7 billion by the end of this year, rising to $45.1 billion, equivalent to 36.7% of GDP, in 2025. The publication’s primary focus is forecasting revenues, expenditure, and deficits in the state budget for 2025. State budget revenues are projected at 308,547 billion UZS ($24.19 billion), with the economy expected to grow by 6% in 2025, increasing to 6.1% in 2026 and 6.3% in 2027. State budget expenditure for 2025 is planned at 344,576 billion UZS ($27.02 billion), with 52% being allocated to social spending. The report provides detailed information on budget allocations by ministries and departments, their alignment with national sustainable development goals, and their impact on climate change. It also outlines how funds will be classified under development programs, ensuring transparency and adherence to Uzbekistan’s broader policy objectives.

2 months ago

Syria United Nations Conflict Resolution Regional Security Security cooperation Migrant Rights

Uzbekistan Shares Rehabilitation Model for Returnees at UN Event

On November 11, 2024, a high-level event titled “Effective Rehabilitation and Reintegration of Returnees from North-Eastern Syria – Uzbekistan’s Experience: From Global to Local” took place at the UN Headquarters in Geneva. The event highlighted Uzbekistan’s successful approach to rehabilitating and reintegrating individuals returning from conflict zones, particularly through the work of the Regional Expert Council, established in 2024 at the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Vladimir Voronkov, head of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office, commended Uzbekistan’s efforts. “UN member states urgently need to develop strategies for rehabilitation and reintegration based on the experience of Uzbekistan. The Tashkent model aims to ensure the rights and dignity of the individual, which is important in these processes,” Voronkov stated. Khalid Koser, Director of the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund, described Uzbekistan’s model as a roadmap for other nations. He emphasized that the approach has proven to be effective, humane, and respectful of human rights in returning citizens from conflict zones. A focal point of the conference was the Regional Expert Council on Rehabilitation and Reintegration, established under the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism. The Council, based in Tashkent, aims to bring together Central Asian experts to share their knowledge and develop programs to assist reintegrated individuals in rebuilding their lives. “I am convinced that the Council, established in Tashkent at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, will contribute to strengthening the exchange of best practices and lessons learned in this area,” said Natalia Gherman, Head of the UN Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate. The Times of Central Asia has previously reported that Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan are collectively improving support systems for women and children returning from conflict zones, such as Iraq and Syria.

2 months ago

Uzbek Man Suspected of Kidnapping Italian Businessman Arrested

An Uzbek citizen has been detained in Italy on charges of orchestrating the kidnapping of Italian businessman Stefano Guidotti in Moscow. In June this year Guidotti was abducted and held hostage. According to Italian investigators, the alleged mastermind is a 44-year-old Uzbek national living near Ravenna, who holds a Russian passport. The suspect had previously worked for Guidotti’s business. The Bologna prosecutor’s office identified the Uzbek citizen as the primary organizer of the crime. Reports indicate he also personally initiated negotiations to establish a ransom for the release of Guidotti, who serves as the general director of the Russian office of SIAD Group. SIAD is one of Europe’s largest manufacturers of industrial gases. The kidnapping took place on the morning of June 28, when three men seized Guidotti in the courtyard of a residence in central Moscow. He was handcuffed, a bag was placed over his head, and he was forced into a car. Russian police rescued him the following day in the country's Bryansk region. The abductors reportedly included three Russian nationals and one foreigner.

2 months ago

Industry Germany Green economy Funding green projects International investment COP29

Uzbekistan and Germany Partner on Green Industrialization with €3 Million Grant

On November 13, at the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in Azerbaijan's capital Baku, Uzbekistan's Ministry of Economy and Finance signed a memorandum with the German International Cooperation Society (GIZ) to secure additional funding for a project aimed at supporting the private sector in green industrialization. As part of the initiative, Germany has allocated €9 million to help Uzbekistan’s private sector transition to a green economy. The project is designed to assist the Uzbek government in implementing economic reforms and fostering sustainable economic development, focusing on enhancing the capacity of both the public and private sectors to adopt green industrialization practices. The initiative will also provide technical expertise in measuring and certifying greenhouse gas emissions, supporting Uzbekistan’s participation in international carbon trading mechanisms, and aligning with the European Union’s Cross-Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Additionally, it aims to promote resource-saving and sustainable production by encouraging the private sector to adopt green technologies, including circular economy practices and green industrial park models. To further bolster the project, a €3 million grant was approved during the conference. This funding will complement the ongoing initiative, titled “Support to the Private Sector and Advice on Economic Policy in Uzbekistan.”

2 months ago