Ban on religious names. What will happen to Cafe Mubarak, Ikhlas Construction Company, Hajtrevel and others?

Kyrgyzstan has approved a list of religious terms prohibited for use in corporate names of legal entities. Such words as Ikhlas, Mubarak, Christ and Krishna cannot be used in company names. The corresponding decree was signed by the Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev.

Currently, there are companies in the Kyrgyz market that use these religious terms in their names and have become recognisable in the country. In the case of changing the name of such companies, their recognisability may significantly decrease, which will affect the brand and business. ‘Akchabar’ decided to look into whether these companies would have to change their names and how it would affect their operations.

The Ministry of Justice said that the new restrictions will not apply to already registered legal entities. Thus, companies that used religious terms before the resolution was approved will be able to keep their names unchanged.