Private bailiffs are to be introduced in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan plans to establish a system of private bailiffs. The relevant changes are set out in a law amending legislation on enforcement proceedings, which was signed by President Sadyr Japarov on 3 June.

According to the document, private bailiffs will be able to enforce court decisions alongside state bailiffs. To regulate their activities, a Unified Register of Private Bailiffs, a Chamber of Private Bailiffs, and qualification and disciplinary commissions will be established.

The law also provides for the transition of enforcement proceedings to an electronic format. Enforcement documents and procedures may be conducted in both paper and electronic form using automated information systems and secure communication channels.

At the same time, the powers of bailiffs are being expanded. In particular, they will be able to place debtors and their assets on an international wanted list, carry out enforcement actions outside the country under international treaties, and refer debtors for employment with organisations cooperating with the authorised body.

Furthermore, bailiffs will be granted the right to temporarily restrict the departure from Kyrgyzstan of the heads of debtor companies, regardless of their form of ownership.

It is expected that the reform will improve the efficiency of debt recovery and reduce the burden on the state system for the enforcement of court decisions.