Pugachev: Visa regime in the CIS is not on the agenda

"In my opinion, free movement of people within the Commonwealth of Independent States is one of the biggest achievements of the CIS in general. We should value this freedom of movement and, what is more important, should know how to use it, both the hosting country and visitors who should respect the traditions and laws of the hosting country. This thesis refers not only to the CIS states. This is an international practice, and this practice should be followed. As for the prospects of the visa regime, I would like to note that the issue has not been raised and has not been discussed in the CIS. The issue is not on the agenda today," Vasily Pugachev said, BelTA reports.

"As a rule, the tightening of the visa regime is a backward step in comparison to the achievements already available today. We need other measures, other actions coupled with reasonable use of those freedoms that are available today regarding the movement of citizens. In particular this applies to labor migration," Vasily pugachev said.

Vasily Pugachev also said that the CIS focuses its attention on the fight against illegal migration. "It is a very important issue. We have the relevant competent bodies that work in this area. Cooperation is well-established not only within the CIS member states but also with international organizations, since the problem of fight against illegal migration is pressing today," he said.