Atabekova emphasized that the legislation in this area, particularly Article 93 of the Code on Offenses, is quite weak. "Currently, we have the opportunity to attract foreign labor; however, many producers have started to poach workers who were invited for specific tasks. This leads to a drop in market prices and causes enterprises that have trained their employees to lose them and become uncompetitive. Moreover, such a situation contributes to the development of the shadow economy, which negatively affects tax revenues to the state budget," she noted.
According to her, the Code on Offenses provides for a fine of 65,000 soms, which is not significant for business owners, allowing them to continue poaching workers.
Atabekova suggested increasing the amount of the fine and introducing an additional measure—suspension of the enterprise's activities for up to 90 days, as is implemented in Russia.
She also mentioned that a draft amendment to the legislation has already been developed and is ready to be submitted to the deputies for consideration.
