European Union approves Agreement on simplification of visa regime between Ukraine and EU
The Council of the European Union approved an agreement between Ukraine and the EU on the simplification of the visa regime and deportation.The agreement on the simplification of the visa regime provides some relief in the visa issuing process for those who intend to stay in the country longer than the current 90 days up to 180 days. It also fixes the visa fee at ˆ35. Moreover, this agreement allows for the issuance of visas free of charge to certain categories of citizens, multiple-entry and longer stay visas up to 5 years. According to the new agreement, in case of visa denial, the council is obliged to explain the reasons for the denial. The agreement is not in force in the territories of Denmark, Ireland and Great Britain.
The Agreement on deportation establishes certain criteria as to when and how to return people who live illegally on the territories of member countries of the EU and Ukraine. These obligations apply to citizens of the European Union and Ukrainian as well as individuals without citizenship. The agreement on deportation of the citizens from Third World countries and people without citizenship will come into effect after a 2 year transition period. A special express procedure on deporting people from near-border regions has been established. However, this agreement is not in force in Denmark.
Both agreements provide for the formation of special committees, which will monitor the implementation process of the participating member countries. For them to come into force beginning January 2008, they must be ratified by the Verkhovna Rada.
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