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Citizens of Turkmenistan Can Apply for Simplified Entry to Russia

Citizens of Turkmenistan are now eligible to apply for a single-entry electronic visa (e-visa) to travel to Russia. This opportunity became available following an order by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, which expanded the list of countries eligible for simplified entry. The list now includes 64 countries, with Turkmenistan among the latest additions. The e-visa allows entry to Russia for purposes such as tourism, business, humanitarian activities, or visiting relatives and friends. The application process is conducted online through the official portal of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Notably, applicants are not required to provide invitations, hotel bookings, or additional documentation justifying the purpose of their travel.

International Diplomacy Russia Migration visas Migrants Parliament

Uzbek Deputy Proposes Introducing Visa Regime With Russia

Russian politician Leonid Slutsky has proposed establishing a comprehensive set of mandatory rules for foreign workers in Russia, called the “Migrant Code.” Developed in coordination with diasporas and law enforcement agencies, the code outlines guidelines for migrants seeking legal employment in Russia. According to Slutsky, the Migrant Code will require foreign workers to learn Russian and ensure their families also acquire language skills if residing in Russia. Migrants, he says, must respect Russian culture and traditions, adhere to public behavior standards, obtain official employment, and pay taxes. Additional requirements include securing insurance against deportation or expulsion, undergoing fingerprinting, genomic registration, and mental health testing. In response, Alisher Qodirov, chairman of Uzbekistan’s Milli Tiklanish (National Revival) party, suggested introducing a visa regime with Russia to address potential instability and a rise in migration flows. Qodirov underscored the importance of Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries implementing stricter entry and exit controls to Russia, alongside enhanced requirements for job seekers. He emphasized the need for migrants to respect their host country’s language, culture, and laws while reaffirming the significance of national values. He further stated that educating Uzbek workers on their rights and responsibilities would help mitigate social, political, and economic challenges for Uzbekistan. It would also protect citizens from exploitation and discrimination abroad, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to safeguarding its people.

Digital Nomads international tourism visas Visa Legislation Tourism

British Citizen Becomes First Holder of Kazakhstan’s New Neo Nomad Visa

Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports has announced that Sertac Yener, a British citizen, has become the first foreign national to receive the new Neo Nomad Visa. Kazakhstan introduced updated visa regulations on November 18, 2024, to attract business immigrants, skilled professionals, and tourists. Among the new offerings is the Digital Nomad Visa, which provides long-term residence options for IT specialists, and the Neo Nomad Visa, designed for “neo-nomads” with a verified monthly income of at least $3,000. Applicants for the Neo Nomad Visa are required to provide health insurance and a clean criminal record. The first Neo Nomad Visa was issued at Kazakhstan’s embassy in the UAE. Sertac Yener brings 30 years of experience in the energy sector, focusing on project development, financing, and corporate partnerships. In addition to his professional pursuits, Yener has a deep interest in Kazakhstan’s language, culture, natural landscapes, and gastronomy. His daughter completed studies in Kazakh language and Central Asian studies at the University of Chicago. “Kazakhstan is an amazing country!” Yener said. “With the Neo Nomad Visa program, I have the opportunity to stay in this country for up to one year. The visa will allow me to work remotely in my company and get to know Kazakhstan, immersing myself in nature, a friendly atmosphere, cuisine, music, traditions, and language. Thanks to my daughter, I 've been enjoying the melody and richness of the Kazakh language for some time now.”

Digital Nomads Digitization Labour market visas Digitalization Legislation Migration

Kyrgyzstan Offers Digital Nomad Status to Foreign Specialists

Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov has signed legislative amendments introducing the status of Digital Nomad for foreign citizens working in information and communication technologies (ICT), software development, creative industries, and related areas. Digital Nomads are exempt from mandatory registration at their place of domicile in Kyrgyzstan, can obtain a personal identification number (PIN), do not need to obtain permits for work, enjoy the right to engage in entrepreneurial activity as an individual entrepreneur or a legal entity, and are allowed to open bank accounts. According to the Ministry of Economy and Commerce, which spearheaded the amendments, this initiative aims to create favorable conditions for attracting digital nomads to Kyrgyzstan. It is expected to contribute to the development of innovative projects, the growth of high-tech industries, increased tax revenues, job creation, and tourism development. In neighboring Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that as of November 18, 2024, the country has enacted updated visa regulations to attract business immigrants, skilled professionals, and tourists. Kazakhstan is introducing a Digital Nomad Visa, a single-entry electronic or multiple-entry paper visa for IT specialists, allowing long-term residence. Additionally, the Neo Nomad Visa offers extended stays to “neo-nomads” who have a verified monthly income of at least $3,000. Applicants for the Neo Nomad Visa must provide health insurance and proof of a clean criminal record.

international tourism visas Government Migration

New Visa for Modern Nomads Introduced in Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan has introduced a new "Neo Nomad" visa for modern nomads and working tourists who combine work and travel. The new visa regime was developed using the experience of more than 50 countries that have introduced similar programs after the pandemic. To obtain a Neo-Nomad visa, foreign citizens must prove a stable income of at least $3,000 per month, provide health insurance, and provide a certificate showing that they have no criminal record. The visa is designed for representatives of various industries, including IT, marketing, finance, consulting, design, and e-commerce. The visa holder can stay in Kazakhstan for up to one year while continuing to work for a foreign company. This will allow foreign citizens to immerse themselves in the local culture, and Kazakhstan to generate additional revenue -- which, according to estimates, could amount to about $8 million a year if visas are issued to 500 individuals. Foreigners who take advantage of Neo Nomad will reside and spend the funds in Kazakhstan. The program also does not affect Kazakhstan's labor market, as foreign citizens do not take local jobs. Tourism and Sports Minister Yerbol Myrzabasynov said the joint efforts of several ministries have made Kazakhstan attractive to digital nomads, whose number globally has reached 35 million. Almaty and Astana are already on the list of the 150 best cities for this type of tourist. Many countries have already introduced visas for digital nomads, attracting remote workers and stimulating the economy. For example, Spain offers the Digital Nomad Visa, which allows you to live and work remotely for up to 12 months with the possibility of an extension. Portugal has a D7 Visa program targeting passive income earners, including remote workers. These visas contribute to the development of the local economy, increase consumption, and attract skilled professionals.

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Kazakhstan and China’s Macao Visa-Free Regime

On April 9, Ambassador of Kazakhstan to China, Shakhrat Nuryshev and the Secretary for Administration and Justice of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, Mr. Cheong Weng Chon, signed an Agreement between their respective governments on mutual exemption from visa requirements for up to 14 days. According to the Kazakh Foreign Ministry, the agreement will provide additional impetus to the development of trade, economic, cultural, humanitarian and tourism cooperation between the two parties. Discussions were also held between Ambassador Nuryshev and Mr. Ho Iat Seng, Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, on the current state and prospects of cooperation between Kazakhstan and Macao, as well as cooperation concerning the “Year of Tourism of Kazakhstan in China”.