Society
Uzbekistan to develop draft law on reducing plastic waste
The Ministry of Ecology of Uzbekistan will develop a draft law on reducing plastic waste by November. It is expected to introduce plastic collection points, install container return machines or a payback system for returning packaging to manufacturers.
Over 600 kg of hashish seized at Uzbekistan-Afghanistan border
612 kg of hashish worth over $16.5 million were intercepted at Uzbekistan-Afghanistan border. The drugs were concealed inside broom handles.
Clean Hands program to be launched in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan will launch Clean Hands program from May, requiring healthcare and educational institutions to install handwashing stations. Public toilets and restaurants will be be required to have soap and sanitizers. Another nationwide program should enhance sanitation and hygiene across the country.
Samarkand flatbread registered as a geographical indication
Samarkand flatbread was officially registered as a geographical indication. The justice minister of Uzbekistan Akbar Toshqulov handed over the registration certificate to the acting head of Samarkand region Adiz Boboyev.
Poverty line updated in Uzbekistan, minimum consumer spending raised by $1.6
Uzbekistan raised the minimum consumer spending by 3.2%, from 648,000 to 669,000 soums per month. This benchmark, used to determine the poverty line, should have been updated in January.
Number of Uzbekistanis that died from alcohol in Türkiye reaches 23
The death toll of citizens of Uzbekistan from counterfeit alcohol in Türkiye reached 23, including 2 women. Some Uzbekistanis are still receiving treatment, while others have been discharged from hospitals.
Deputies unanimously pass law banning vape imports and sales in Uzbekistan
Deputies of Uzbekistan passed a law banning the import and sale of electronic cigarettes (vapes) and sent it to the Senate for approval. The law was unanimously approved in the second and third readings without debate.
Fines for violating animal care regulations in cities increased in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan increased fines for violating animal care regulations in cities and settlements, as well as for officials failing to take measures to capture stray animals. Additionally, fines and confiscation have been introduced for keeping wild animals prohibited for private ownership.
International University of Turkic States to open in Tashkent
The International University of Turkic States will open in Tashkent. It is expected to offer programs in engineering, construction, logistics, IT, healthcare, agriculture, food industry, economics and social sciences.
Uzbekistan’s population surpasses 37.5 million
Uzbekistan’s population surpassed 37.5 million as of end of 2024, marking a 2% increase over the previous year. Birth rates declined for the first time since 2017, dropping by 3.7%. The number of marriages in 2024 reached a decade low.
Over 2,200 people killed in traffic accidents in Uzbekistan in 2024
In 2024, 9,364 traffic accidents were officially registered in Uzbekistan, resulting in 8,901 injuries and 2,203 fatalities.
Digital technologies help organize the search for missing persons
VEON AdTech and the Uzbekistan Volunteer Association have launched a web platform for the UzAlert search and rescue team. The new website will improve the organization of search operations and attract more concerned citizens to participate.
Number of labor migrants from Uzbekistan abroad drops by more than a third
More than 1.35 million Uzbekistanis are currently working abroad — 34% less than a year ago. In Russia, which is still top destination, the figure fell 1.7 times. Organized recruitment attracted 4 times more workers than in 2023, expanding to Croatia, Belgium, Slovakia, Serbia, Montenegro and Qatar.
Ministry of Ecology, UNDP launch two environmental projects in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Ecology and the UNDP launched two projects to develop the new National Biodiversity Strategy and restore ecosystems in Western Tien Shan. Funded by a $6.5 million Global Environment Facility grant, the initiatives are set to be implemented by 2030.
Bodies of 483 labor migrants repatriated to Uzbekistan in 2024
Bodies of 483 labor migrants were repatriated to Uzbekistan from abroad last year, the majority (474) from Russia. The Migration Agency also helped return 775 citizens facing difficult circumstances and 182 individuals with serious injuries.
Customs declaration now required for new phones brought into Uzbekistan
Travelers bringing new mobile devices into Uzbekistan must now complete a customs declaration to avoid paying a customs fee later, while registering the device in the UzIMEI system. The new rules were introduced in early 2024, but were enforced only late last autumn.
10 citizens of Uzbekistan die in Turkey after consuming counterfeit alcohol
10 citizens of Uzbekistan passed away in Turkey after consuming counterfeit alcohol. The Consulate General of Uzbekistan in Istanbul called for refraining from alcohol use and exercising caution. Two citizens of Turkmenistan were detained.
Citizen of Uzbekistan who fought for Russia against Ukraine has his sentence reduced
A court in late October sentenced a citizen of Uzbekistan who fought for Russia against Ukraine to six years in prison. Just 19 days later, an appeals court released him, citing health conditions and voluntary surrender. The ruling referenced a statement by former foreign minister Abdulaziz Kamilov.
Japan to provide three hospitals in Uzbekistan with $215,000 for medical equipment
Japanese government allocated grants totaling $215,000 to procure medical equipment for a pediatric oncology center, a perinatal center and Bukhara branch of the Emergency Medical Aid Center.
Photos: Cat houses appear at Tashkent airport
Cat houses were installed in the Tashkent International Airport, providing shelter for stray cats. Uzbekistan Airports noted that cats have always been a part of the capital’s airport, and the project reflects the company’s and its employees' care for animals.
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