Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

On behalf of Sweden, Anders Hall, State Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, and employees of a number of organizations attended the meeting. Colonel Ulugbek Muhamedov, head of the Main Department of Migration and Citizenship of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and responsible employees of the Ministry, participated on behalf of Uzbekistan.

U. Muhamedov briefed the guests on the activities of the Service of Migration and Citizenship, including the simplification of the visa procedure for citizens of most countries in the world, including the European Union. He noted that the Ministry of Internal Affairs and a number of agencies keep records of those who have been out of the country for a long time and who have gone abroad to study or work. A preventive discussion is conducted with these persons and their close relatives regarding the need to register and report to the migration authorities of the hosting country to avoid violating EU legislation.

The importance of being aware of the laws and regulations of being legal in these countries was emphasized.

It is noted that a certificate for returning to Uzbekistan is issued by the competent authorities electronically and takes little time.

U. Muhamedov also noted that during the years of cooperation with EURLO (Network of Immigration Liaison Officers from Europe), the Main Department of Migration and Citizenship of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the European Union (in particular, migration services and the Swedish police) considered 71 applications for the determination of citizenship, 180 of our compatriots were returned to Uzbekistan.

He stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in preventing and controlling crimes committed by citizens of the Republic of Uzbekistan. A. Hall noted that the Swedish side favours expanding cooperation in this area. The Ministry of Justice, which includes the Department of Justice, Department of Interior, and Department of Migration, is mainly responsible for fighting illegal migration.

According to foreign data, there are currently 20-30 thousand illegal immigrants from Uzbekistan in Sweden. In this regard, the Swedish side expressed interest in agreeing on readmission with the side of Uzbekistan and expressed gratitude for the initiative shown by Uzbekistan in realizing this agreement.

Ambassador of Sweden to Turkey, T. Danestad, noted that a draft agreement will be sent to the Uzbek side through diplomatic channels for further development.

Anders Hall thanked the employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for the constructive interaction and stressed the importance of these kinds of meetings for expanding cooperation.

U. Muhamedov also expressed his willingness to expand and strengthen cooperation with the Swedish side within the powers of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan