Authorities in Uzbekistan have returned to discussing the problem of aggressive beggars in tourist zones following complaints about their behavior in areas popular with foreign visitors. However, no specific measures to address the situation have been announced yet.

The issue was raised on May 15 at a press conference by Abdulaziz Akkulov, Chairman of the Tourism Committee of Uzbekistan, dedicated to reforms and the strategy for developing the tourism industry until 2030.

During the discussion, journalists asked whether the Tourism Committee and the Ministry of Internal Affairs have a unified position on solving the problem, including measures for social rehabilitation of beggars and steps to reduce their presence in tourist zones.

A representative of the relevant structure said that the issue is currently being considered jointly with the Safe Tourism Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. “We are currently studying relevant documents together with the Safe Tourism Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. We have proposals regarding the current organizational structure, and I am inclined to agree with your opinion. If you give us some time, we will look into this and study it,” he noted.

According to meeting participants, foreign tourists continue to face aggressive behavior from beggars at the Chorsu market in Tashkent and near the Registan in Samarkand, despite the development of tourism infrastructure and the work of relevant services.

However, no specific measures, implementation timelines, or a ready action plan were announced. For now, the issue remains at the stage of interagency discussion.

Recall that last year, about 300 people who regularly engaged in street begging were identified in Tashkent. Of these, 70 received administrative arrests. Raids were conducted throughout the city. During them, it turned out that behind begging often hide more complex stories — from chronic poverty to outright exploitation.

Source: podrobno.uz