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Union State of Belarus, Russia moves to simplify residence permit procedures

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MINSK, 9 July (BelTA) – Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko signed Decree No. 228 on 9 July, approving the draft protocol on amending the agreement between Belarus and Russia on ensuring equal rights for citizens of the two countries in freedom of movement, choice of place of stay and residence within the territories of the Union State member states, dated 24 January 2006, BelTA learned from the press service of the Belarusian leader.

The draft protocol provides for the possibility for citizens of one party to obtain permission for temporary or permanent residence on the territory of the other party based on their citizenship of one of the parties. The time limit for reviewing documents for citizens to obtain permanent residence permits is reduced from three to two months.

The draft expands the list of identity documents that Belarusian citizens may use to enter, leave, transit through, travel within and stay in the territory of the Russian Federation. These documents include the biometric passport, biometric diplomatic passport, biometric service passport and identity card.

The Belarusian Ministry of Internal Affairs has been authorized to conduct negotiations on the draft protocol and sign it.

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