Igor Meshov

e-mail: rtleslie@fustercluck.com

EU simplifies a visa regime for Ukrainians
19.06.2007

The European Union and Ukraine have agreed on Monday about simplification of a visa regime and readmissii within the limits of the session which have asked in Luxembourg For suggestions Ukraine-EU. The agreement however will enter force only after settlement of the Ukrainian political crisis, the prime minister of the country Victor Janukovich has declared.

The agreement the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Arseny Jatsenjuk, the head have signed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany presiding in EU Franc-valter SHtajnmajer, the Supreme representative on foreign policy and safety Haver Solana and the eurocommissioner to justice and safety freedom Ex Frattini, informs ITAR-TASS.

The document provides simplification of procedure of delivery of short-term visas for the term up to 90 days. In the document term of consideration of visa statements – is defined no more than 10 days.

It also expands the list of categories of citizens which can apply for reception of 5-year-old visas. It is a question, in particular, of journalists, businessmen, constant members of official delegations, and also drivers-truckers.

The agreement fixes cost of the short-term visa at level 35 euros and defines categories of citizens which can receive visas free of charge. This list, in particular, includes journalists, pensioners, children till 18 years, students, the carriers, those citizens of Ukraine who go to the relatives abroad.

For the first time the Ukrainian citizens will acquire the right in default in reception of the visa to demand the argument of it and to appeal against against refusal. Agreement action does not extend to the Great Britain, Denmark, Ireland, Iceland and Norway.

The agreement on visa regime simplification defines as a strategic problem in relations of EU and Ukraine movement to a visa-free regime. This document subscribes in a package with the agreement on struggle against illegal migration.

The agreement about readmissii enters an order of identification and returning of illegal migrants, and also simplifications of their transit journey. These obligations concern both citizens of Ukraine and EU member states, and persons without citizenship. Agreement positions about readmissii citizens of the third countries and persons without citizenship come into force in two years of a transition period. The special accelerated procedure of returning of persons is provided for the citizens detained in boundary regions. The agreement does not operate in territory of Denmark.

Both agreements will come into force after ratification by the Supreme Rada of Ukraine and EuroParliament. Ratification by Ukraine is possible only after effective updating of all branches of the Ukrainian power, prime minister Victor Janukovich at total press conference after session of Council of EU-Ukraine has declared. "In Ukraine the parliament can ratify this agreement most likely not earlier than autumn", - the prime minister has told. He has assumed, that the European parliament also ratifies this agreement in the autumn.

At the same time the representative of Ukraine at EU Novel SHpek has expressed hope, what is it the agreement will be ratified by the parties till the end of a year so that since January, 1st, 2008 it has come into force.