During the session of the Jogorku Kenesh, parliamentarians discussed the bill "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Kyrgyz Republic Regarding the Code of Offenses and the Law on External Migration," which was adopted in the first reading.
Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Oktobur Urmambetov presented information on the necessity of this bill.
He explained that the main goal of the initiative is to reduce the level of begging, minimize its negative impact on public order, and improve road safety by eliminating begging on roadways. The bill is also aimed at protecting vulnerable citizens from exploitation.
The project proposes to establish norms that define responsibility for intrusive begging in public places, including roads, and measures to prevent the involvement of vulnerable groups in this practice, with strict sanctions for such actions. It also provides for the creation of a legal basis for the expulsion of foreign citizens who repeatedly violate established norms.
During the discussion, deputy Ilimbek Kubanychbekov raised the issue of fraud related to fundraising for treatment abroad, which undermines public trust and harms those who genuinely need help. In this regard, he suggested developing a mechanism for cooperation with the Ministry of Health to verify diagnoses and the validity of fundraising efforts.
Deputy Dastan Bekeshev asked why law enforcement and social services do not respond adequately to cases of children being involved in begging.
Kamila Talieva, another deputy, expressed the need for raids to identify individuals engaged in begging and added that assistance to those in need should be provided through charitable organizations.
Deputy Mahabat Mavlyanova agreed that begging on the roads poses a danger to road safety and supported the bill.
As a result of the discussion, the bill was adopted in the first reading.
