Kun.uz presents the weekly news roundup. The limit on importing cars for personal use has been lifted: individuals and legal entities can now obtain certificates of conformity without an annual cap. The changes took effect on June 5, 2026.
Uzbekistan is preparing a large-scale renovation of about 17,000 houses built before 1991. A draft law details relocation, compensation, and investor obligations. At least 80% of property owners must agree for the project to proceed, except for emergency housing.
Construction sector oversight is tightening: in 2025, 1,952 cases of illegal construction were identified, and violations in shared construction affected nearly 3,000 citizens, causing damages of about 668 billion soums. Escrow accounts are being introduced to protect equity holders.
The president signed a law introducing a new chapter to the Criminal Code, “Crimes against public health and the gene pool.” Penalties for organizing drug labs, maintaining dens, and other drug offenses are increased. An electronic monitoring system for narcotics is being prepared.
A package of measures to toughen penalties for dangerous traffic violations is under discussion: up to 15 days arrest for drunk driving, vehicle confiscation, restrictions on fine discounts for repeat offenders, and liability for letting minors drive and street racing.
In Tashkent, a chase of a Cobalt driver who ignored traffic police demands ended with officers firing at the wheels; the driver was wounded. The incident sparked debate on the limits of using weapons in urban areas.
In Andijan region, four people died from gas poisoning in a sewage tank. A plumber was first affected; three colleagues trying to rescue him also perished.
A corruption scheme in the quarantine and plant protection system was uncovered: employees took unofficial “fees” for expedited permits. One suspect was caught receiving $1,000. About 92 billion soums passed through linked accounts.
Uzbekistan became one of the world's fastest-growing tourism destinations: international arrivals rose 37% in Q1 2026, despite a global slowdown.
In Andijan, quadruplets (three boys and a girl) were born. The mother and newborns are in stable condition.
Uzbekistan and Sweden signed two migration and mobility documents to facilitate legal employment and academic exchanges. Sweden has demand for IT specialists and medical workers.
In Navoi region, a family lost about $15,000 trying to send their son to work in South Korea through intermediaries. One scheme participant was detained in anti-corruption operations.
Experts discuss the role of foreign military bases in Central Asia: political scientists Farkhod Tolipov and Khamid Sadyk argue that national security systems handle threats, while bases are seen as geopolitical influence tools.
In Tashkent, cases of forced dismantling of advertising structures were reported. The business ombudsman demanded strict adherence to the law.
75% of funds allocated for social benefits in 2025 remained unspent. Deputy Sayyora Imamova noted that only 64% of the poverty reduction fund was used, and only about 7,000 women out of a planned 40,000 received aid.
In Gaza, a transport collapse: over 30,000 vehicles destroyed, 90% of roads unusable. Residents use overcrowded cars, trailers, and carts; some vehicles run on vegetable oil.
IATA forecasts a $98 billion increase in airline fuel costs in 2026, to $350 billion. Profit forecast nearly halved to $23 billion.
Source: kun.uz