Parliament ratifies visa facilitation, readmission agreement

Parliament on Thursday, November 9, ratified the agreements on visa facilitation and readmission of persons signed between Moldova and the members of the European Union on October 10 in Brussels. The visa facilitation agreement makes visa requirements easier for Moldovan nationals applying for a short-stay visa in EU countries. Under the agreement, visa fee for processing applications of Moldovan citizens shall amount to 35 €, compared with 60 € for other states. Visas will be issued free of charge for a significant number of categories like children, students, persons aged 18 and younger, representatives of civil society, reporters, sportsmen, carriers, persons participating in scientific, cultural and artistic activities, and others. In addition, bona fide persons travelling frequently across the EU will profit from multi-entry visas with an extended term (1 to 5 years). The readmission agreement sets out obligations and procedures for the authorities of both Moldova and of EU Member States as to when and how to take back people who are illegally residing on the territories covered by the agreement. The Communist MPs praised the Moldovan diplomats for their contribution to having the agreements signed. However some PMS from Opposition stated that these agreements are the least the European Union could do for Moldova. The European Parliament is due to vote on the ratification of the two agreements on November 12.