Uzbekistan eyes to introduce “Compatriot passports”

Uzbekistan is considering the possibility of introducing "passports with overseas compatriot status", Kun.uz correspondent reports.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev instructed the Ministries of Internal and Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan to study and analyze the experience of foreign countries on this matter and present feasible proposals to the government before March 1, 2019.

Furthermore, the President ordered the relevant departments to develop and submit documents on the introduction of simplified visa procedures for compatriots and their families, as well as residence permits and work permits for them.

A “compatriot passport” is a document that allows its holder to cross the state border freely and stay on its territory without any time limitations.

It is expected that the document will provide a visa-free entry privilege and preferential tourist tours to Uzbekistan for people who are of Uzbek origin but not citizens of the country.

The “compatriot passport” is not equal to a civil passport. So citizens of countries where dual citizenship is prohibited do not have to worry about legal liabilities for obtaining it.