Conditions for foreigners to stay in Belarus simplified
President of Belarus Aleksandr Lukashenko has signed amendments to the law “On the legal status of foreign citizens and stateless persons in the Republic of Belarus”, the press service of the head of Belarus reported.
Earlier, the corresponding document was adopted by the House of Representatives and approved by the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly.
The law provides for raising the time limit, during which foreigners are supposed to register their temporary place of stay with the local police department, from five days to ten days. The decision is expected to enhance the country’s tourism and investment appeal in addition to facilitating business contacts and personal ones.
According to the press-service release, “A number of legal norms are being improved”. “The grounds for refusing to issue a visa to enter Belarus are adjusted to ensure protection of the interests of society and state”, the press service informed. In addition, a mechanism is determined for foreigners and their representatives to obtain information on the inclusion in the list of persons whose entry into Belarus is prohibited or undesirable.
The main provisions of the law will come into force on 1 July 2020, the Ministry of Interior Affairs of Belarus added.
According to the Belarusian media, in 2018, more than 4.8 million foreigners arrived in the Republic of Belarus through border checkpoints, and a little more than 5 million departed.
During 6 months of 2019, 2.3 million foreigners arrived in the country, while 2.4 million left Belarus.
During 9 months of 2019, more than 120 thousand foreign citizens enjoyed visa-free travel programs to visit tourist area “Brest” and recreational park and areas “Augustow Canal”.
