Legislation - The Times Of Central Asia

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Russia Tourism Legislation Digitalization visas Digital Service

Citizens of Turkmenistan Can Apply for Simplified Entry to Russia

Citizens of Turkmenistan are now eligible to apply for a single-entry electronic visa (e-visa) to travel to Russia. This opportunity became available following an order by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, which expanded the list of countries eligible for simplified entry. The list now includes 64 countries, with Turkmenistan among the latest additions. The e-visa allows entry to Russia for purposes such as tourism, business, humanitarian activities, or visiting relatives and friends. The application process is conducted online through the official portal of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Notably, applicants are not required to provide invitations, hotel bookings, or additional documentation justifying the purpose of their travel.

Digital Technologies Court Cases Cryptocurrency Crime Legislation Finance

Uzbek Teenager Illegally Earned Over $2.5 Million Through Cryptocurrency

A 17-year-old boy has been detained in the Zhondor district of Uzbekistan’s Bukhara region for allegedly conducting illegal cryptocurrency transactions. Authorities claim the teenager engaged in the acquisition, transfer, and exchange of crypto-assets without obtaining the required licenses. Over the course of his activities, he reportedly amassed approximately 34 billion UZS (around $2.6 million). Law enforcement officials have filed a criminal case against the teenager under Article 278-8, Part 3, of Uzbekistan’s Criminal Code. This article addresses violations of laws regulating cryptocurrency transactions. Authorities have seized all of the funds the teenager earned through his alleged activities. A preliminary investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of the violations and uncover any additional details surrounding the case. Cryptocurrency transactions in Uzbekistan are tightly regulated, with severe penalties for non-compliance. Under the law: Purchasing, selling, or exchanging crypto-assets without a license is punishable by administrative arrest of up to 15 days or a fine of 20–30 Basic Calculation Units (BCUs). Confiscation of both crypto-assets and associated funds is also mandatory. If an individual continues illegal activities after receiving an administrative penalty, they may face criminal charges, including imprisonment of up to 5 years. Unauthorized cryptocurrency mining can result in administrative arrest of up to 5 days or fines ranging from 20 to 30 BCUs. For reference, one BCU currently equates to 330,000 UZS (about $25). To conduct cryptocurrency operations legally in Uzbekistan, individuals and businesses must use licensed service providers. Licensed entities ensure compliance with the country’s strict regulatory framework, minimizing risks for participants in the crypto market.

Law and Order Criminal Executive Code Parliament Legislation

Uzbekistan Strengthens Criminal Penalties for Organising Mass Disturbances

On December 11, Uzbekistan's Parliament, the Oliy Majlis, adopted a draft law amending Article 244 of the Criminal Code, which addresses mass riots. The amendments, passed in the first reading, aim to strengthen legal measures against organizing or financing mass disturbances. Deputy Prosecutor General Svetlana Artikova explained the rationale behind the proposed changes, emphasizing the importance of protecting individuals, society, and the state during turbulent times. “Is there criminal liability for training aimed at organizing mass disturbances or preparing weapons, explosives, or special devices for such purposes? In our opinion, there is,” Artikova stated. She highlighted that such actions threaten public safety and stability, warranting criminal accountability. The draft law introduces two new provisions - parts 3 and 4 of Article 244 - focused on addressing these threats. Financing the organization of mass riots will also be explicitly recognized as a crime. According to Artikova, the amendments aim to safeguard the country’s peace and stability, serving as a preventive measure rather than an act of retribution. “Whether online or offline, participating in such ‘training’ is about destroying our way of life,” she remarked. The proposed amendments will not require extra funding from the state budget. The draft law has already been reviewed and approved by key government entities, including the Supreme Court, the State Security Service, and the Ministries of Economy and Finance, Internal Affairs, and Justice. Details regarding the specific penalties for these offenses were not disclosed by the prosecutor’s office.

Judicial Reform Reforms Justice Government Legislation Judiciary

Kazakhstan’s Path to Judicial Reform and Transparency

Kazakhstan is implementing reforms to enhance judicial independence, modernize its institutions, and address contemporary challenges according to Aslambek Mergaliev, Chairman of the Supreme Court of Kazakhstan, who detailed these initiatives aimed at strengthening the rule of law and increasing transparency in the judicial system. Strengthening Judicial Independence Central to these reforms is ensuring judges’ independence by depoliticizing their roles and holding them accountable only to the law. Judges are prohibited from affiliating with political parties, and personnel matters have been fully transferred to the Supreme Judicial Council. Key advancements include transparent selection procedures for judges and the introduction of new professional standards. A pivotal guarantee of independence is the new funding model, which allocates at least 6.5% of the state apparatus budget to the judiciary, reducing financial dependence on other government branches. Judges’ professional performance is now evaluated by their peers, supported by the "Electronic File of a Judge," an automated service designed to minimize bias. Additionally, the authority to approve special operational and investigative measures against judges has been transferred to the Prosecutor General. Introduction of Administrative Justice Kazakhstan established an administrative justice system in 2021, primarily aimed at protecting citizens' rights and improving public administration. This system has significantly increased the number of cases involving housing, tax, and land disputes, reflecting growing public trust in the judiciary. The percentage of court decisions in favor of citizens has risen from 15% to over 60%. Jury trials have also expanded, with the number of cases tried by jury more than doubling in recent years. Digital Transformation of the Judiciary Kazakhstan is leveraging digital technology to modernize its judicial processes, earning the country 4th place among 47 nations in reviews conducted by the European Commission for the Efficiency of Justice (CEPEJ) on the judicial systems of Council of Europe member states. Tools such as Digital Analytics of Judicial Practice and a robotic assistant help reduce judges’ workloads, predict case outcomes, and optimize adjudication. Additionally, the Supreme Court has initiated the broader use of electronic surveillance as an alternative to detention, favoring house arrest with electronic bracelets. International Recognition At the IX Congress of Judges in October 2024, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev engaged with representatives from CEPEJ and the International Association for Court Administration (IACA) to discuss the progress of judicial reforms. Special emphasis was placed on expanding cooperation in human rights protection. The Union of Judges of Kazakhstan has established partnerships with organizations such as UNDP, OSCE, the Council of Europe, USAID, and the International Bar Association, among others. Future Steps Looking ahead to 2025, Kazakhstan plans to establish three courts of cassation and introduce a “continuous cassation” system. The Supreme Court will prioritize ensuring uniformity in judicial practice, with cases reviewed only at the initiative of the highest judicial authority.

Economy Legislation small and medium businesses statistics taxes

Small Businesses Employ Over Half a Million People in Kyrgyzstan

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in Kyrgyzstan's economy, employing 585,000 people and contributing significantly to various sectors, according to the National Statistical Committee (NSC). As of 2024, Kyrgyzstan has 18,139 registered small businesses paying taxes. SMEs are particularly active in agriculture and manufacturing, with private entrepreneurs producing 65% of the country’s agricultural output and 26% of its industrial goods. Additionally, much of the hotel and restaurant industry is owned and operated by medium-sized private businesses. Most of these enterprises are concentrated in the Bishkek and Chui regions, where 80% of the country’s small and medium-sized businesses operate. The Kyrgyz government has taken steps to encourage entrepreneurs to operate transparently and contribute to the formal economy. In the summer of 2024, the voluntary patent system was abolished and replaced with a requirement for businesses to use cash registers. To incentivize compliance, businesses with an annual turnover of up to KGS 15 million ($170,000) are exempt from taxes if they purchase cash registers, submit reports to the State Tax Service, and pay insurance and pension contributions. For businesses with a turnover between KGS 15 million and KGS 30 million ($340,000), a reduced tax rate of 0.5% on turnover is applied. Small and medium-sized businesses are not only a backbone of Kyrgyzstan’s economy but also a key source of job creation. Government initiatives to formalize SME activity and simplify taxation are expected to further bolster the sector’s growth and contribution to the national economy.

FAO Food Legislation Agriculture Inflation Food Security

High Food Costs and Growing Waistlines: Kazakhstan’s Struggle with Rising Obesity

More than half of Kazakhstan’s population is overweight or obese, even as food prices in the country continue to climb. Deputy Prime Minister Serik Jumangarin recently highlighted that nearly 50% of consumer spending is allocated to food and beverages. In response, members of the Senate and the upper house of parliament are advocating for stricter regulations on food quality. Aniko Nemeth, an expert on food safety and nutrition at the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) regional office for Europe and Central Asia, pointed out the country’s obesity crisis during a Senate hearing on food security. Drawing from data from the Kazakh Academy of Nutrition, she noted that 55.5% of women and 49.2% of men in Kazakhstan are overweight or obese. At the same time, 5.6% of the population suffers from malnutrition. The paradox highlights a larger issue: the rising cost of a healthy diet. According to Nemeth, the price has increased by at least 8% over the last eight years. Urban residents are more affected than rural residents who can supplement their diets with homegrown produce. Deputy Prime Minister Jumangarin acknowledged that food prices are a major burden for the population. He outlined measures to address the issue, including constructing 92 modern fruit and vegetable storage facilities by the end of next year. With a capacity of 700,000 tons, these facilities aim to stabilize seasonal prices. Additionally, subsidies for seeds will be increased to support farmers, focusing on reducing dependency on foreign hybrids. Jumangarin also addressed the dependence on imported meat, which drives up costs. He announced plans for a commercial livestock farming project in the Turkestan region, modeled on Australia’s practices. Expected to launch in 2025, the initiative aims to lower domestic meat prices and increase sausage production. Furthermore, Kazakhstan is set to become self-sufficient in poultry production and may even begin exporting chicken meat within a few years. Kazakhstan’s cheese production currently meets only 57% of domestic demand. New production projects are underway to bridge the gap, including partnerships with global leaders like French-owned Lactalis, the world's largest dairy products group. Jumangarin revealed plans for a facility in the Akmola region and another in Kostanay to produce 2,000 tons of cheese annually. These efforts coincide with an anticipated surplus in milk production from newly established dairy farms. Despite these efforts to make food more affordable, senators believe legislative action is needed to address the obesity epidemic. Arman Utegulov, representing the agricultural ministry of Kazakhstan, proposed a law to regulate genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and foods treated with pesticides and antibiotics. He also called for stricter oversight of laboratories and trade centers to ensure food quality. “Excessive hormones in animal feed lead to chronic diseases,” Karimovich warned. He suggested amendments to existing legislation and even the potential return of veterinary laboratories to state control to tackle these issues. Kazakhstan faces a dual challenge: ensuring food affordability and combating rising obesity rates. While government initiatives aim to support domestic agriculture and stabilize food prices, balancing quality and cost remains critical....