Uzbekistan plans to step-by-step introduce a self-financed private notaries system. The process of transformation of public notary offices into private will be launched on January 1, 2018. The relevant draft president’s decree, developed by the Ministry of Justice, was published for public consultation.
According to the draft, one of the main areas of reforming the notaries is to create an "effective, transparent system of licensing of notarial activities" and introduction of procedure for periodic certification of notaries. This will serve to staff the notaries with "honest and qualified professionals and ensure the provision of high quality services”.
It is planned to establish "fair conditions for financing of notary offices that ensure the interest of notaries to provide quality notary services", as well as the self-sufficiency of notary offices.
It is envisaged to set up the Chamber of Notaries of Uzbekistan, with mandatory membership of all notaries. The non-state chamber will coordinate the activities of notaries and protect their rights and interests, including in relations with public authorities, as well as in court.
