The concept of digitalization is no longer just a trendy buzzword; it has become an important aspect of efficiency, trust, and fairness for the state. The Ministry of Justice of the Kyrgyz Republic recognizes this and actively employs digital solutions as a means to combat bureaucracy. Deputy Minister of Justice Iskender Sydygaliev shared with VB.KG how technology is transforming the legal system.
Notarial Actions Without Paper
One significant step has been the complete digital transformation of notary services. Previously, notarial services were associated with huge volumes of paperwork and risks of fraud; however, now all operations are conducted within a unified information system.
This is not just convenient — such a system helps eliminate corrupt schemes and manipulations. Now every process is transparent and the same for everyone, regardless of region or social status.
Business Registration Without Physical Visit
The Ministry of Justice is implementing electronic registration of legal entities in phases, starting with limited liability companies. The pilot project has been successful, and since last year, both open and closed joint-stock companies can also register online.
Now, to register a business, it is enough to gather the necessary documents, upload them to the Ministry of Justice portal, sign them with an electronic signature, and wait for the result within the established timeframe.
In the near future, similar measures will be implemented for the registration of farms and peasant households.
Electronic Monitoring: A New Word in Law Enforcement
One of the most significant social initiatives has been the introduction of electronic monitoring as a preventive measure.
This approach allows individuals to remain free but with court-imposed restrictions. Monitoring is carried out through electronic bracelets and a special mobile application with Face ID functionality.
Since June 2024, more than 630 orders for the application of this measure have been issued, helping to avoid overcrowding in detention centers and reducing the financial burden on the budget.
It is important to note that the bracelets look like ordinary smartwatches and do not cause stigmatization.
Technology in Protection Against Domestic Violence
In October of last year, President Sadyr Japarov signed amendments to the Code of Offenses and the Law "On Protection Against Domestic Violence." Now, electronic monitoring is used to protect victims of domestic violence: one spouse can be equipped with a bracelet, while the victim has a mobile application. If an attempt is made to approach to a dangerous distance, the system immediately signals, allowing services to respond quickly.
In Bishkek, the first results from the use of electronic monitoring in domestic violence cases have already been obtained. This pilot project is being implemented with the support of the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the General Prosecutor's Office, and other government agencies. To date, electronic monitoring is being used in 18 domestic violence cases.
The law is equal for all, regardless of gender, which is an important step towards real protection of rights.
One-Click Apostille
Another important innovation has been the electronic apostille. Now citizens do not need to stand in lines: it is enough to upload the document to the Ministry of Justice portal, make an online payment, and the apostille will be issued in electronic form with a QR code, which is especially relevant in the world of mobile technologies.
Myizam.kg: Access to Laws
The updated database of regulatory legal acts myizam.kg is also a step towards "human-centered" law. The simplified interface and grouping of documents by areas allow users to easily find the information they need without the need for knowledge of legal terminology.
In the future, the database will become not just an archive of laws, but a full-fledged navigator that will help people in difficult situations.
Recording Court Proceedings
The Ministry of Justice has proposed mandatory audio and video recording of court proceedings. The new law, signed by President Sadyr Japarov, will come into force on August 23, 2025, for criminal cases and from January 1, 2026, for civil and administrative cases. This will enhance the transparency of judicial procedures to a mandatory standard.
In addition, the filing of claims and participation in court hearings in the future will also be possible in digital format, which will be especially beneficial for residents of remote regions. Moreover, online broadcasts of hearings are planned if the parties agree and if the case is not related to state secrets.
Digital Evidence: Challenges of Modernity
Given the rise of cybercrime and fraud, the Ministry of Justice is working on the implementation of the institution of digital evidence. This is an important, albeit complex reform that will require training for investigators and prosecutors, as well as the creation of a methodological base.
Digitalization as a New Management Philosophy
The Ministry of Justice emphasizes that digitalization is not an end in itself. It is a tool that makes life easier for citizens, reduces the burden on state structures, and helps increase trust in the legal system.
"Automating processes is the best thing we can do to ease the lives of citizens and ourselves," concludes Iskender Sydygaliev.
The main incentive, according to him, is the result: when reforms become real and tangible for society.
