23:30, 1 September 2009

Georgian MFA: simplified visa regime with EU countries to be introduced next spring

The third round of negotiations about simplification of the visa regime with the European Union (EU) was a success. David Dzhalaganiya, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia, told about it in his interview to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.

According to Mr Dzhalaganiya, the texts of the treaties about the visa regime and readmission of citizens illegally residing in the territories of Georgia and EU member-states have been agreed at the level of delegations. After signing, they should be ratified by parliaments.

According to the treaty, the cost of a visa will go down from 60 to 35 euros. Besides, the number of documents to be presented with an application for a visa will be reduced.

Another change - the duty-free entrance to the territories of the EU member-states will be granted to various social groups. In total, there are 15 such groups: journalists, diplomats, students, sportsmen, art workers, patients in need of medical aid, members of NGOs, etc.

"It will be enforced late spring or early summer, hardly earlier," said Mr Dzhalaganiya.

Author: Anna Konopleva

Source: CK correspondent