About how the program operates and how many applications have been submitted, 24.kg spoke with Gulzat Dzhumaeva, the chief specialist of the external migration department of the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration of Kyrgyzstan.
What is 'Meken Kart' and why was it introduced?
— The 'Meken Kart' initiative was launched to improve the country's migration policy. As part of the program, a new status was introduced — 'compatriot with foreign citizenship'.
Since March 13, 2023, citizens have begun submitting applications through the automated 'Meken Kart' system, after which they are issued a document confirming their status. This document is indefinite but is issued for a period of 10 years with the possibility of extension.
Gulzat Dzhumaeva.
The main goal of the project is to facilitate the connection of compatriots living abroad with their homeland. The program creates more favorable conditions for entry, residence, and work in Kyrgyzstan, as well as promotes the maintenance of cultural ties and the involvement of compatriots in the economic life of the country.
Who can apply for 'Meken Kart'?
— Foreign citizens (except for citizens of neighboring countries) who were previously citizens of Kyrgyzstan, as well as their children and grandchildren, have the right to obtain a 'Meken Kart'. Additionally, the document is available to descendants of Kyrgyz citizens and individuals born on the territory of the Kyrgyz SSR.
Over three years, out of 443 submitted applications, 399 foreigners received 'Meken Karts'. 9 applications were rejected, and the rest are under consideration.
What is the process for obtaining a 'Meken Kart' and how long does it take?
Candidates for obtaining (foreign citizens who previously held Kyrgyz citizenship or their descendants) submit an application through the automated 'Meken Kart' system:
Applications are reviewed within 3 months in the general procedure and 1.5 months in the simplified procedure.
If less than six months have passed since renouncing Kyrgyz citizenship, foreign citizens can apply in a simplified manner.
What difficulties do applicants face when applying?
— A minimum package of documents is required to obtain a 'Meken Kart':
- application from the foreign citizen and their passport;
- certificate of no criminal record in the country of citizenship (except for children under 14 years old);
- certificate of no criminal record in Kyrgyzstan (except for children under 14 years old);
- state duty and payment for the document processing services (if submitted through foreign institutions — receipt of payment for the consular fee).
If necessary, documents confirming family ties, as well as birth certificates issued in the territory of the Kyrgyz SSR, may be required.
Data on renunciation of citizenship and the certificate of no criminal record are provided through automated systems, including 'Tündük', which significantly simplifies the process and reduces the number of required paper documents.
In practice, applicants face difficulties due to discrepancies in personal data (surname, first name) in various documents.
Cases of refusals: what are the reasons and how many have there been?
— A refusal to obtain a 'Meken Kart' is possible if false information is provided, if there is a criminal record, if there is a threat to the country's security, or if there is membership in prohibited organizations. Currently, 9 applications have been rejected.
What rights does the 'Meken Kart' grant its holders?
- Holders of 'Meken Karts' have the right to:
- visa-free entry/exit;
- reside in Kyrgyzstan without obtaining a residence permit;
- engage in labor activities without the need for a visa or work permit;
- access medical and educational services on equal terms with Kyrgyz citizens;
- use land for 10 years.
What restrictions exist for holders of 'Meken Karts'?
— Holders of 'Meken Karts' do not have political rights, including the right to participate in elections and hold state or municipal positions.
What law regulates the process of issuing 'Meken Karts'? Have there been changes in recent years?
— The law 'On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Kyrgyz Republic' defines the basic rights and obligations of foreigners, as well as those who have received the status of compatriots with foreign citizenship. It establishes the conditions and procedure for granting and terminating such status.
In the Law 'On External Migration', definitions of the status of compatriots with foreign citizenship and simplified conditions for entry and stay in the country are indicated.
The procedure for granting status, categories of persons entitled to receive it, and the procedure for issuing 'Meken Karts' are regulated by a special provision approved by the Cabinet of Ministers' resolution No. 203 dated October 8, 2021.
Are changes expected in the rules for issuing 'Meken Karts' and the expansion of rights for their holders?
— Currently, no expansion of rights is planned. However, the procedure for obtaining the document has become simpler: children under 14 years old are no longer required to provide a certificate of no criminal record from a foreign state, which has reduced the administrative burden on applicants.
How popular is 'Meken Kart' among compatriots?
— The highest number of applications has come from citizens of Russia, Germany, and Turkmenistan. Applications have also been submitted by citizens from the Republic of Korea, Ukraine, Austria, Belgium, Sweden, the Netherlands, Malaysia, Niger, Israel, Turkey, Japan, the USA, the UK, Yemen, Jordan, Belarus, Italy, India, Syria, and France.
