Press releases

MINSK, 11 August (BelTA) – There are plans to extend the duration of registration-free stay in Belarus from five to ten days, First Deputy Head of the Citizenship and Migration Department at the Belarusian Interior Ministry Vitaly Naumchik told the media on 11 August, BelTA has learned.

“The Interior Ministry has drafted a bill on amendments and additions to the law on the legal status of foreign citizens in Belarus. The bill will extend the period of registration-free stay in Belarus from five to ten days,” he noted.

There are also plans to extend the validity period of temporary residence permits for some groups of foreign nationals. “This concerns investors, in the first place. These measures will be taken to create favorable investment climate. As of today, the total maximum validity of temporary residence permits is one year. We would like to extend the period of residence for this group of foreigners to two years,” Vitaly Naumchik said.

The bill contains amendments to the regulations on the reasons for temporary residence of foreign citizens coming to Belarus for education. “The list of reasons for applying for a permit for those who come to Belarus to study is being expanded. I think, this will boost the export of educational services,” Vitaly Naumchik pointed out.

The bill was submitted to the Council of Ministers in June and will be sent to the House of Representatives in September. According to Vitaly Naumchik, relevant amendments to the law on the legal status of foreign citizens in Belarus will come into effect approximately in December 2018-January 2019.