Begging fines raised in Uzbekistan: 3–5 BRV for asking for alms and 10–15 BRV for involving others

The President has signed a law toughening liability for begging and for drawing other people into it. Fines are now roughly 1.5 to 2 times higher, and administrative arrest of up to 15 days remains possible instead of a fine.

The law was signed on 14 October 2026 and applies from that date. It amends Article 188-3 of the Code of Administrative Liability. The law's number has not been given in public reports.

What changes for those who beg

Liability applies to actively asking for money, food or other valuables in public places: streets, markets, transport, stations and parks.

• before: a fine of 1 to 3 BRV;
• now: a fine of 3 to 5 BRV, i.e. 1.32 to 2.2 million soums;
• instead of a fine: administrative arrest of up to 15 days.

What changes for those who involve others

Stricter liability applies to involving minors, elderly people, people with disabilities or mental disorders in begging. The same rule covers forcing a person to take alcohol or substances that affect the mind and will.

• before: a fine of 5 to 10 BRV;
• now: a fine of 10 to 15 BRV, i.e. 4.4 to 6.6 million soums;
• alternative: administrative arrest of up to 15 days.

Soum amounts are calculated at the BRV of 440,000 soums in force since 1 September 2026.

What this means in practice. The new fines already apply. Parents and guardians should not involve children or elderly relatives in collecting alms: this is the heaviest part of the rule. If you see a child or a person with a disability being forced to beg, report it to the police or the mahalla.

Photo: Adam Harangozó, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)