Nearly half of Kazakh citizens are denied U.S. visas - Foreign Ministry
Around 45-46% of the citizens of Kazakhstan are denied U.S. visas, when applying. This is what First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yerzhan Ashikbayev said at a briefing in the Senate, Qazinform News Agency reports.
Responding to journalists’ questions about visa rejections faced by Kazakhstani citizens abroad, Ashikbayev noted that providing precise global statistics is quite difficult.
“As for visa refusals – this is a sovereign right of our partners. It is often regulated by access to private information and is not disclosed, including to us. Therefore, exact figures are not available. Some countries publish such statistics, including refusal rates. In the United States, about 45-46% of applicants from Kazakhstan are denied visas,” he said.
According to Ashikbayev, the global situation remains dynamic, with many countries periodically introducing additional requirements for foreign nationals.
“Therefore, I find it difficult to provide precise number of citizens facing difficulties,” he added.
Ashikbayev also emphasized that the nationals of Kazakhstan must observe the laws of the countries they visit.
During the briefing, journalists also asked about prospects for simplifying the visa regime with Japan. According to Ashikbayev, this work is ongoing, but no specific timelines have been set.
“Together with our Japanese partners, as with many others, we will continue this work and inform you when there is something ready to announce,” he said.
Meanwhile, he added that the visa regime issues depend not only on Kazakhstan’s efforts, but also on the decisions of partner states.
Earlier, it was reported that Kazakhstan and Cambodia had signed an agreement exempting holders of diplomatic and official/service passports from visa requirements.
