Bride kidnapping - the abduction of a woman or girl with the intent to force her into marriage - remains a longstanding problem in parts of the country. The law also introduces a new provision into Kazakhstan's Criminal Code, specifically targeting forced marriage. Harsher penalties apply if the offence involves violence, minors, abuse of power or group participation, according to law enforcement officials. The proposal to outlaw bride kidnapping was first introduced in 2023. Several neighbouring Central Asian countries, including Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, have already criminalised the practice.