"The main changes concern simplifying the procedure for issuing private visas to former citizens of the republic, extending the validity of transit visas, and introducing migration cards for citizens of countries with which we have visa-free entry agreements," said Yevgeny Nikitinsky, deputy chairman of the state agency for tourism and sports.
So, he explained, under the new rules, former citizens of the republic may be issued a private visa for three months on the basis of a personal application and upon submission of a document confirming that they have relatives in Kazakhstan or that they were previously citizens of the republic.
At present, the interlocutor recalled, to obtain a private visa issued for up to 3-4 weeks, former citizens of the republic need a special invitation from relatives. Along with this, the visa regime for foreigners with residence permits in Kazakhstan is effectively abolished, and their rights, according to the instruction, are now equated with the rights of citizens of the republic. Currently, according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the number of foreigners permanently residing in Kazakhstan exceeds 90,000 people.