Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan’s Migration Agency has issued a warning to citizens against participating in armed conflicts abroad, reminding them of the criminal liability such actions entail.

The agency notes an increase in cases of labor migrants being recruited in certain countries to take part in military operations.

Citizens are strictly prohibited from approaching conflict zones, engaging in combat operations, joining the armed forces, security agencies, military justice bodies, or other law enforcement structures of foreign states, as well as accepting dubious recruitment offers.

In the event of suspicious situations, citizens are advised to immediately contact Uzbekistan’s diplomatic and consular missions or the local offices of the Migration Agency.

Under Article 154¹ of the Criminal Code, serving in a foreign military for hire carries a penalty of three to five years of imprisonment.