The Kazakhstan authorities have once again confirmed the active pursuit of negotiations with the EU, with the objective of simplifying visa requirements.
As part of the country’s efforts, the Minister of Internal Affairs of Kazakhstan, Yerzhan Sadenov, met with the EU Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs, Johannes Luchner, last week in Brussels.
During the meeting, the two officials discussed the simplification of Schengen visa requirements for citizens of Kazakhstan, with Minister Sadenov requiring the EU to relax some of the existing rules.
As the Astana Times explains, Minister Sadenov provided detailed information about the reforms that the country has made so far, especially on the migration policy. He said that there is no migration risk and, at the same time, shared data on migration statistics.
Stressing that the visa facilitation rules would not lead to irregular migration of Kazakhstan citizens to the EU, Minister Sadenov confirmed the country’s readiness to begin the process of simplifying the Schengen visa application rules.
Moreover, the minister also noted that Kazakhstan has already identified certain requirements that can be simplified for citizens of the country applying for a Schengen visa.
On the other hand, an official statement on the matter by the EU authorities is yet to be made.
While Luchner did not confirm nor deny the simplification of the current requirements, the parties agreed to conduct a joint analysis on the visa process and then identify steps to begin a dialogue on the matter, the Astana Times explains.
It is expected that as soon as the joint analysis is completed, the authorities will meet again and discuss measures that can be taken to facilitate the visa-obtaining rules.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Murat Nurtleu, also previously discussed the visa facilitation rules with the EU Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson.
Following a meeting that the two officials had earlier in May, Minister Nurtleu said that the country has already taken all necessary steps to fight irregular migration to the bloc, stressing that the EU should not be worried about an increase of irregular migrants once the visa rules are facilitated.
Apart from requiring the EU to facilitate the visa application process, Kazakhstan has also required the issuance rate to be increased.
Just like citizens of other countries who need to obtain a Schengen visa to be permitted entry into the Schengen Area, Kazakhstan citizens need to submit several documents.
They need to submit the visa application form, proof of having purchased travel insurance, and proof of having secured accommodation, among many others.
