Uzbekistan eases foreign passport rules for citizens returned under readmission

Uzbekistan has introduced new rules allowing citizens who have been returned to the country under readmission agreements to obtain foreign passports in exceptional circumstances. The measure is aimed at protecting their rights and ensuring access to travel abroad when urgently required.

Photo: Kun.uz

The Ministry of Justice has issued an order titled “On the procedure for issuing biometric foreign passports for citizens returned through readmission from foreign states in exceptional cases.” Under the order, the Department of Migration and Personalization will enter data about such citizens into the national “Passport-Visa” information system.

Citizens affected by readmission will be eligible to receive a foreign passport if they face certain exceptional life situations, including:

the death of a close relative abroad;
the need for specialized medical treatment or surgery overseas for themselves or a close relative;
participation in international scientific Olympiads, educational programs, or sports competitions;
permanent residence in Uzbekistan’s border or exclave areas;
official assignments from the President, the Cabinet of Ministers, or the head of the Presidential Administration.

To apply, citizens must submit a request to the Department of Migration and Personalization or its regional offices.

Authorities noted that the reform is intended to simplify the process of traveling abroad for citizens affected by readmission and to safeguard their rights in critical situations.

Readmission refers to an agreement by a state to accept its own citizens – and in some cases, foreign nationals who previously resided there – after their deportation from another country.