Russia ratifies easing visa rules with EU

Russia’s lower house of parliament today ratified agreements with the European Union easing visa procedures for some travellers and spelling out terms for the return of illegal migrants.

The State Duma voted unanimously to simplify visa rules for businessmen, officials, journalists, scholars, students, truck drivers and other visitors.

Politicians also ratified a document on readmission of illegal migrants, the EU’s main condition for easing visa rules.

The agreements, which have not been ratified by the EU, also need to be approved by the upper house and signed by President Vladimir Putin.

Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Denisov said the documents signed at a Russia-EU summit last May would help expand mutual contacts.

“They would also help intensify dialogue with the EU on a transfer to visa-free regime,” he said.

The agreement follows years of tense talks amid often difficult Russia-EU relations strained over energy, food imports and other issues.