In Kyrgyzstan, it is suggested introducing visa-free mode with developed countries for a period of 90 days, Oleg Pankratov, Deputy Economic Regulation Minister of Kyrgyzstan, told a meeting of the Parliament's Economic Strategy, Investment Policy and Tourism Committee on Monday, KyrTAG reported.
"According to the statistical data, 90 percent of the number of tourists arrives in Kyrgyzstan from CIS countries. Only 5 percent of the number of tourists arrives from far abroad countries. Simplification of the visa proceedings will contribute positively to the country's image, not to mention budget extra revenues and creation of new jobs. The number of tourists arriving in Georgia increased by 50 percent after the country cancelled visa proceedings with a number of states," Pankratov said.
He noted that visa-free regulations will be established with Canada, the United States, Germany, and Bosnia and Herzegovina for a period of 90 days.
"However, this will cause a decrease of consulate's premiums but affect quite insignificantly the country's budget. Besides, threats to national security will be increased," Pankratov noted.
MP Ravshan Jenbekov thinks the bill should be backed.
"I back the introduction of visa-free mode with developed countries. Statistically, one tourist leaves some $1,000 in Kyrgyzstan. With the number of tourists arriving in Kyrgyzstan in consideration, we will get a lot of earnings from the field of tourism. As for security, the budgets of the State National Security Committee and Interior Ministry are 6 billion som and 7 billion som, respectively. This makes up $3,000 per one law enforcer. However, they do not really receive such money. Where does this money go to? Let them work more efficiently and be prepared for an increase of the number of tourists," Jenbekov stressed.
As a result, the Parliament's Economic Strategy, Investment Policy and Tourism Committee approved the bill "On Introduction of Visa-Free Mode for Citizens of Some Countries for 90-Day Period" in the first reading.