May 2026 marks a turning point for Uzbekistan, bringing sweeping changes to state institutions and citizens' daily lives. From the start of the month, decrees take effect aimed at increasing officials' personal responsibility for the environment and responsiveness to the public, while introducing new digital standards in construction and migration.
A key step toward government transparency is the deep modernization of the Presidential Virtual Reception. The entire process of handling citizen appeals now shifts to automatic real-time control. The main innovation is 'smart' distribution of requests: the system automatically categorizes appeals as urgent, standard, or requiring in-depth study.
Alongside digital oversight, civil servants face a practical ecological experiment under the 'Clean Air' project. Starting in May, Tashkent officially establishes 'car-free days' for the public sector. On the 10th and 25th of each month, a complete ban on official vehicles is enforced. Officials of all levels must commute on foot, by bicycle, or by public transport.
The construction sector sees major changes with a strict new housing acceptance regulation. No new building will be allowed into operation without modern video surveillance and intercom systems. Cameras must cover the surrounding area, every elevator, and even inter-apartment corridors. Equipment is considered common property and recorded in the 'My Home' information system.
Artificial intelligence officially enters the migration sphere. Experimental 'Smart migration stations' open in Tashkent, Samarkand, Fergana regions, and Karakalpakstan. Citizens and foreigners can resolve document issues without queues or direct contact with inspectors.
In the social sphere, a National Program to Combat Heart Attack and Stroke launches in Samarkand and Tashkent, aiming to raise emergency care quality. By 2027, the program will cover the entire republic, with 239 billion soums allocated in 2026. For people with disabilities, disability group determination and electronic queue placement for preferential treatment are merged into a single composite service.
From May 1, a new mechanism targets alimony defaulters. Debtors face significant restrictions until full repayment, including a ban on major transactions such as real estate and vehicle sales, as well as limited access to key financial products and certain government services.
Digital changes also affect the spiritual sphere: Umrah pilgrimages now require mandatory registration on the unified 'Hajj and Umrah' portal. Business licensing and notification procedures are centralized in the 'License' information system, eliminating paperwork.
For entrepreneurs, May 2026 brings long-awaited stability in foreign trade. A key innovation is the ban on sudden restrictions: any new barriers, bans, or limits must be published in the 'Single Window' system at least three months before taking effect. Importers gain flexibility with phased customs payments.
From May 17, Tashkent officially enforces a design code – a set of mandatory rules to streamline urban environment design and restore architectural value. The code covers facades, shop windows, advertising structures, and navigation signs, with uniform requirements for sign sizes, fonts, and lighting.
Source: podrobno.uz