The title “Honorary citizen” to be established in Uzbekistan

On the portal of discussions of normative-legal projects, a draft resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers on establishing the title “Honorary citizen” has been published. 
 
According to the draft document, the title “Honorary citizen” is given to foreign citizens and stateless persons, who have contributed to the development of Uzbekistan with their outstanding services, helped the country in achieving long-term significant results in socio-economic, cultural, scientific, social, charitable (patronage) and other spheres of public life, as well as rendered help by investing in the republic.
 
In this regard, the title is not considered as a state award and will not serve as a basis for obtaining citizenship. 
 
It is given in the following cases: 
 
- for contributions to develop the economy, science, culture and art, education, health and social services; 
 
- for personal contributions to the preservation and multiplication of the invaluable spiritual-cultural heritage of the Uzbek people, including for charitable (patron) activities in the Republic of Uzbekistan; 
 
- for large publicly recognized contributions to improve the image of Uzbekistan in the world; 
 
- for investments by individuals in the amount of not less than forty thousand times the minimum monthly wage established in the Republic of Uzbekistan at the time of introducing investments, in the form of acquiring shares of business entities, as well as creating a foreign enterprise in the republic. 
 
Proposals for awarding titles are made by state and economic management bodies for consideration by the chairman of the Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan, regional governors and Tashkent city. A nomination for granting the title is submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers for approval. 
 
The President of Uzbekistan will have the right to independently initiate assigning the title “Honorary citizen”. 
 
Individuals who are awarded the title will be granted the following rights: 
 
- to enter and move around the territory of Uzbekistan without a visa, as well as permission for permanent residence in the Republic of Uzbekistan, including for members of their family (spouse(s) and minor children); 
 
- to be received as a matter of priority by officials of state and local government bodies; 
 
- to participate in governmental and public celebrations, as well as use the title with his/her name. 
 
The Council of Ministers of Karakalpakstan, regional administrations and Tashkent city will keep a record of persons who have been awarded the title “Honorary citizen”.