Russia to enter Schengen with the help of illegal emigrants
Agreement between Russia and European Union about deportation of illegal emigrants, and which in the opinion of Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will be the first step to mutual abolition of visas, may come into force in December 2006.
However, including Russia into Schengen zone could be possible not earlier than in 5 years. According to the corresponding draft government resolution Russian takes upon itself the responsibility for illegal emigrants both for Russian, and for those who came to Europe through its territory, and undertakes to pay for their return to Russia. On some estimations it will cost dozens of millions dollars for the budget.
Russia hasn`t signed similar agreements with neighbouring countries, first of all with the countries of the CIS. Ministry of Foreign Affairs official noted that readmission regarding third countries citizens would come into force only in three years. "I think that we will achieve agreement with most bordering states", said the deputy director of All-European collaboration of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mikhail Yevdokimov.
Meanwhile in December another draft law may be passed - "About simplifying visa reception by citizens of Russia and EU". Earlier, the agreement about relaxation of visa restrictions for Russian citizens was achieved in the course of summit Russia-EU in October 2005, but it would not touch on tourists, it concerns only members of official delegations, students, diplomats and scientists.
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