The introduction of a single visa in the CIS may be a positive step, but it’s not a quick matter, it’s too early to say the exact time, Andrei Rudenko, deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, said in an interview with RIA Novosti.
“Of course, the possible introduction of a single visa in the CIS could have a positive effect on the development of business and tourist contacts of the Commonwealth countries with other states. Nevertheless, one cannot but take into account the fact that each of the CIS member states implements its own visa and migration policy, and the provisions of the national legislations of our countries in this area do not always coincide”, – the deputy foreign minister said.
“We share the position of the President of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Zhomart Tokayev, that this issue should be, first of all, comprehensively studied at the expert level with the involvement of all competent departments”, – he added.
According to Rudenko, “first of all, it will be necessary to determine the circle of CIS countries interested in such a single visa and their willingness to compromise in terms of convergence of migration legislation”.
“It is also important to evaluate the amount of work that needs to be done to introduce such common visas”, – he said.
“This is a long and, alas, not a quick way, so it’s premature to talk about any specific timelines for launching such a mechanism”, – Rudenko emphasized.