At a recent meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh, deputies discussed a bill concerning amendments to several legislative acts of the Kyrgyz Republic, including the Code of Offenses and the Law "On External Migration." The document was adopted in the first reading.
Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Oktobyr Urmambetov presented information about the bill.
He noted that the main goal of the initiative is to reduce the level of begging, minimize its negative impact on public order, enhance road safety, and protect vulnerable citizens from exploitation.
The bill includes the establishment of legal norms that will provide for penalties for intrusive begging in public places and on roadways, as well as measures aimed at preventing the involvement of vulnerable groups in begging. Additionally, it will create a legal basis for the expulsion of foreign citizens who systematically violate established norms.
During the discussion, Deputy Ilimbek Kubanychbekov raised the issue of fraud related to fundraising for expensive medical procedures abroad, which undermines public trust in such initiatives and harms those who genuinely need help. He proposed developing a mechanism for cooperation with the Ministry of Health to confirm diagnoses and the justification for fundraising.
Deputy Dastan Bekeshev expressed confusion regarding the insufficient measures taken by law enforcement agencies and social services in cases where children are involved in begging.
Kamila Talieva, who also spoke at the meeting, emphasized the need for raids to identify individuals engaged in begging, adding that assistance to those in need should be provided exclusively through charitable foundations.
Deputy Mahabat Mavlyanova agreed that begging on roadways poses a threat to road safety and supported the proposed bill.
As a result of the discussion, the bill was approved in the first reading.
