Deputy Prime Minister of Kyrgyzstan Edil Baysalov has called for a review of the visa-free regime for US citizens in response to Washington’s new visa requirements for Kyrgyz citizens.
According to him, the introduction of a visa deposit by the United States for Kyrgyz citizens requires a mirror response.
‘I believe that we should initiate a review of our visa-free regime for US citizens following the announcement by the State Department of new visa requirements, according to which Kyrgyz citizens are required to pay a visa deposit of up to $15,000 when applying for a visa,’ Baysalov said.
He stressed that visa policy should be based on the principles of parity and mutual respect.
‘Visa policy is a matter of parity and mutual respect. If such high barriers are introduced for our citizens, we cannot pretend that nothing has happened,’ he said.
The statement came amid the tightening of US visa rules. From 21 January, citizens of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are required to pay a deposit of between $5,000 and $15,000 when applying for an entry visa. The amount will be determined following a visa interview, and paying the deposit does not guarantee that a visa will be issued.
