The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Uzbekistan has reportedly submitted a draft resolution for public discussion that introduces updated and considerably higher tariffs for long-term visits, remote video communications, and telephone calls for inmates held in correctional facilities. This controversial measure aims to restructure the operational funding of the penal system, though observers point out that it will place an additional financial burden on the families of convicts who are already struggling with economic hardships.
Key Takeaways: The proposed framework raises long-term visitation fees to between 20% and 30% of the basic calculation unit (BCU) per day. Meanwhile, remote video calls will cost 0.5% of the BCU per minute, and telephone conversations will be charged at 0.1% of the BCU, with all durations automatically tracked by the centralized 'Qal'a' information system. * (Note: The policy allegedly seeks to modernize infrastructure at the direct expense of service users).
According to the regulatory annex, the daily fee for utilizing long-term visitation rooms depends strictly on room capacity. Two-person rooms will cost 20% of the BCU, three-person rooms 25%, and four-person rooms 30%. For context, current regulations set these rates at a modest 5%, 10%, and 15% respectively. Furthermore, the draft stipulates that if a visitation room is used for less than a full 24-hour period, the fee will still be charged for the entire full day, creating a potentially punitive financial structure.
Regarding modern communication channels, the authorities have set minute-based rates where remote video sessions cost 0.5% of the BCU per minute, while standard phone calls are priced at 0.1% of the BCU. Partial minutes will be billed proportionately to the actual time consumed. The duration of every remote session is supposedly recorded and calculated automatically through the 'Qal'a' centralized IT system, which claims to minimize human error and administrative abuse.
The draft also enforces strict non-cash payment protocols to supposedly prevent corruption. Payments must be processed prior to the commencement of the meeting via bank cards, electronic payment systems, or other legally permitted non-cash instruments. Institution staff are strictly prohibited from accepting physical cash. Revenue generated from these communication services will reportedly be channeled into maintaining equipment, servers, secure communication channels, and funding cybersecurity infrastructure.
The regulatory proposal will undergo further administrative review following the conclusion of the public discussion period, after which official adoption and subsequent implementation are expected across the correctional network.
Source: kun.uz