S. Korea to simplify visa issuance for Russians

By Kim Eun-jung
SEOUL, Jan. 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will simplify visa issuance procedures for
Russians who enter the country for short-term visits after a bilateral agreement
takes effect this weekend, officials said Friday.
The Justice Ministry said the deal, signed in 2008 and effective as of Saturday,
is aimed at drastically cutting down the time needed for both Russians and South
Koreans to gain visas to enter either country by reducing the amount of red tape
in both nations.
"We expect the deal to help increase economic and cultural exchanges between the
two countries and boost Korean companies' entry into the Russian market," the
ministry said in a release.
Under the new rule, business travelers planning to participate in trade or
industry exhibitions in either country will receive visas if they provide
invitation letters from an organizing committee in the host country to verify the
purpose of the visit. Those who frequently go back and forth between the two
countries will be eligible for multiple entry visas.
The deal also calls for the exemption of visa fees for official delegations,
language school students and those hoping to attend cultural and science events.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
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