Bektenov Urges EU Diplomats to Ease Visa Barriers for Kazakhstan's Businesses

Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister, Olzhas Bektenov, raised concerns about visa hurdles faced by Kazakhstan's businesses during a meeting with European diplomats and entrepreneurs, Orda.kz reports.

At the Kazakhstan-EU dialogue platform, Bektenov highlighted the challenges entrepreneurs encounter when applying for Schengen visas, for example, in Lithuania, Germany, and Poland. He pointed out that long wait times, limited appointment slots, and short-term visa issuance create obstacles for business operations and international transport.

Additional difficulties arise from the requirement for original copies of international transport permits. These restrictions hinder Kazakh companies and impact bilateral economic ties with the EU, Bektenov stated, expressing hope for discussions to ease visa procedures for Kazakh businesspeople and freight carriers.

According to the Minister's office press service, both sides were willing to discuss simplifying the visa process.

The meeting was attended by Chargé d'Affaires of the EU Delegation Johannes Baur, heads of diplomatic missions of EU member states, and executives from leading European industrial companies.

Original Author: Zarina Fayzulina