18 December 2009 → Foreigners might stay unregistered in Belarus up to one week
Foreigners coming to Belarus for short-term visits might not have to undergo registration procedures if they stay in Belarus no longer than one week. This proposal is stipulated in the bill on the legal status of foreign citizens and stateless persons in the Republic of Belarus approved by the Council of the Republic at the third session, BelTA has learnt.
“In order to facilitate short-term visits, the time period during which foreigners are allowed to stay Belarus unregistered will be extended from three days to five days plus two weekends – one week in total,” Deputy Interior Minister of Belarus Yevgeni Poluden said.
The bill authorizes recreation and recuperation facilities to register foreigners and stateless persons who have purchased their accommodation vouchers. The category of people that are not subject to registration has been expanded.
With a view to attracting migrants to Belarus, there are plans to extend the list of people that may be granted temporary and permanent residence permits. First of all, it pertains to ethnic Belarusians and their close relatives.
The list of grounds on which a citizenship application may be rejected is expanded. An application will not be considered if an applicant has committed any kind of criminal offence (earlier only grave crimes counted) and multiple violations of administrative legislation.
Law enforcement bodies will inform the Foreign Ministry about the arrest, custody or house arrest of foreign citizens and stateless persons only upon the demand of the latter. Earlier law enforcement bodies had to report on such incidents in any case. Apart from that, law enforcement bodies will be required to send a notification within three days instead of one day.
Apart from that, the new bill entitles underage foreign citizens and stateless persons temporarily residing in Belarus to pre-school and school education on an equal basis with Belarusian citizens.
According to the Deputy Interior Ministry, about 1,000 people received Belarusian citizenship and over 500 people were deported in 2009.
News provided by Agency "BelTA"
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