In January 2025, the Agreement between the Government of Lukashenko and the Government of the Russian Federation on the mutual recognition of visas and other matters related to the entry of foreign nationals and stateless persons into the territories of the states — participants in the Treaty on the Creation of the Union State of Belarus and Russia came into force.
Articles 2-5 of the agreement contain key provisions that establish mutual obligations between Belarus and Russia, directly change the migration procedures of both countries and potentially posing additional risks for the neighboring EU countries in the current context of the migration crisis at the EU-Belarus border.
In particular, according to the provisions of Article 2 of the Agreement, foreign nationals who have received any entry visa to the Russian Federation are allowed to transit through or stay in the Republic of Belarus. By implementing such measures, Lukashenko's regime effectively loses the ability to exercise primary control over the entry of foreigners through the consular service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
What risks arise with the entry into force of the Agreement on the mutual recognition of Belarusian and Russian visas?
The Deputy Head of the United Transitional Cabinet and Head of the National Anti-Crisis Management, Pavel Latushka, noted:
"The main difference between the new migration regime and the previous one is the ability for foreign nationals to enter Belarus on the basis of Russian visas, legally.
In such conditions, potential illegal migrants planning to cross the Belarus-EU border can stay in Belarus legally until the potential moment of illegal border crossing between Belarus and the EU.
In fact, the entry process for such individuals into Belarus is simplified, and part of Belarus's sovereign rights regarding the granting of entry to foreigners is transferred to the Russian Federation. In this way, the Russian side gains additional opportunities for direct influence on the flow of illegal migration from Belarus to EU countries."
Commenti