Gulzat Dzhumaeva, the chief specialist of the External Migration Department of the Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Migration of Kyrgyzstan, spoke about the details of the program and the applications received in an interview for 24.kg.
What is 'Meken Kart' and what is its purpose?
— The 'Meken Kart' initiative was developed to improve migration policy in Kyrgyzstan. As a result, a new status for compatriots with foreign citizenship was introduced into the legislation.
Since March 13, 2023, the automated system 'Meken Kart' has been operational, through which citizens can submit applications and receive the corresponding document confirming their status. This document is issued indefinitely but is valid for 10 years with the possibility of extension.
Gulzat Dzhumaeva.
The main goal of the program is to facilitate the connection of compatriots living abroad with their homeland. 'Meken Kart' creates more favorable conditions for entry, residence, and work, as well as promotes the maintenance of cultural ties and the involvement of compatriots in the economic life of Kyrgyzstan.
Who is eligible to receive a 'Meken Kart'?
— The 'Meken Kart' status is available to foreign citizens (except citizens of neighboring countries) who were previously citizens of Kyrgyzstan, as well as their children and grandchildren. Additionally, it is intended for the children and grandchildren of citizens of Kyrgyzstan and individuals born in the territory of the Kyrgyz SSR, as well as their descendants.
Out of 443 applications submitted over three years, 399 foreigners received 'Meken Karts', 9 applications were rejected, and the rest are under review.
What is the process for obtaining a 'Meken Kart' and how long does it take?
Individuals eligible for a 'Meken Kart' (foreign citizens who previously held Kyrgyz citizenship or their descendants) must submit a request through the automated system:
The standard processing time for applications is 3 months, and for expedited processing, it is 1.5 months.
If no more than six months have passed since renouncing Kyrgyz citizenship, foreign citizens can use the simplified application procedure.
What difficulties do applicants face when obtaining a 'Meken Kart'?
— A minimum set of documents is required to issue 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);
- payment of the state fee for issuing the document and services for its processing (if submitted through foreign institutions — receipt of the consular fee).
If necessary, documents confirming family ties and birth certificates issued in the territory of the Kyrgyz SSR are also provided.
Requests for renunciation of citizenship and certificates of no criminal record are processed through automated systems, which significantly simplifies the process and reduces the number of required documents.
However, in practice, difficulties arise when personal data (surnames, first names) do not match in different documents.
What are the reasons for refusals to issue 'Meken Karts' and how many such cases have been recorded?
— 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 banned organizations. Currently, 9 requests have been rejected.
What rights do 'Meken Kart' holders have?
- Holders of 'Meken Karts' have the right to:
- visa-free entry and exit;
- reside in Kyrgyzstan without obtaining a residence permit;
- engage in labor activities without the need for a work permit;
- access medical and educational services on par with citizens of Kyrgyzstan;
- use land for 10 years.
What restrictions exist for 'Meken Kart' holders?
— 'Meken Kart' holders do not have political rights, which includes the right to participate in elections (to vote and be elected) and to hold state and municipal positions.
What law regulates the issuance of 'Meken Karts' and have there been any changes in recent years?
— The law 'On the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Kyrgyz Republic' defines the basic rights and obligations of foreign citizens, as well as the procedure for granting and terminating the status of compatriots with foreign citizenship.
The law 'On External Migration' also stipulates the status of compatriots with foreign citizenship and the simplified procedure for their entry and stay in the country.
The procedure for obtaining status, the categories of persons eligible for it, and the issuance of '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 issuance of 'Meken Karts' and the expansion of the rights of their holders?
— Currently, no expansion of rights is planned. However, the process of obtaining the document has been simplified: children under 14 years old no longer require a certificate of no criminal record from a foreign state, which has reduced the administrative burden.
How popular is the 'Meken Kart' among compatriots?
— The highest activity is observed among citizens of Russia, Germany, and Turkmenistan. Applications have also been received from citizens of 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.
