The information about the progress of the program and the number of applications received was provided by 24.kg, citing Gulzat Jumayeva, the chief specialist of the External Migration Department of the Ministry of Labor, Social Security, and Migration of Kyrgyzstan.
Goals and Implementation of 'Meken Kart' in Kyrgyzstan
— The 'Meken Kart' initiative was developed as part of the country's migration policy reform, introducing a new status for compatriots with foreign citizenship.
Since March 13, 2023, citizens have begun submitting applications through the automated 'Meken Kart' system, receiving the corresponding document. It is issued indefinitely, although its validity period is 10 years with the possibility of extension.
Gulzat Jumayeva.
The main task of 'Meken Kart' is to facilitate the connection of compatriots living abroad with their homeland. The program 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 Can Become a 'Meken Kart' Holder?
— The 'Meken Kart' status can be obtained by foreigners (excluding citizens of neighboring countries) who were previously citizens of Kyrgyzstan, as well as their children and grandchildren. The document is also available to the children and grandchildren of Kyrgyz citizens and to individuals born in the territory of the Kyrgyz SSR and their descendants.
Over three years, out of 443 applications, 399 were approved. 9 applications were rejected, while the others are under review.
Process of Obtaining 'Meken Kart': Timelines and Procedure
Individuals eligible for obtaining (foreign citizens who previously held Kyrgyz citizenship, or their children and grandchildren) must submit an application through the automated 'Meken Kart' system:
The review period for applications is 3 months in the general procedure and 1.5 months in the simplified procedure.
If less than six months have passed since renouncing Kyrgyz citizenship, foreign citizens can apply under the simplified procedure.
Document Challenges: What Commonly Causes Issues?
— To obtain a 'Meken Kart', a standard set of documents is required:
- application from the foreign citizen and their passport;
- certificate of no criminal record in the country of citizenship (not required for children under 14 years old);
- certificate of no criminal record in Kyrgyzstan (also not needed for children under 14 years old);
- payment of the state fee for issuing the document and services for its production (if applying through foreign institutions - receipt of payment for the consular fee).
If necessary, additional documents confirming family ties, as well as birth certificates issued in the Kyrgyz SSR, are provided.
Information on renouncing citizenship and the certificate of no criminal record can be obtained through automated systems, including the 'Tündük' system. This significantly simplifies the application process and reduces the number of required paper documents.
In practice, applicants face difficulties due to discrepancies in personal data, such as surnames and names, in various documents.
Rejections: Possible Reasons and Statistics
— A rejection for issuing a 'Meken Kart' may occur due to providing false information, having a criminal record, posing a threat to the country's security, or connections with banned organizations. Currently, 9 applications have been rejected.
Rights of 'Meken Kart' Holders
- 'Meken Kart' holders have the following rights:
- the ability for visa-free entry and exit;
- residence in Kyrgyzstan without the need for a residence permit;
- the right to engage in labor activities without the need for a work visa;
- access to medical and educational services on par with citizens;
- the right to use a land plot for 10 years.
Restrictions for 'Meken Kart' Holders
— 'Meken Kart' holders do not have political rights, including participation in elections and the ability to hold state and municipal positions.
Legislative Regulation of 'Meken Kart' Issuance
— The issuance of 'Meken Kart' is regulated by the Law on the Legal Status of Foreign Citizens in the Kyrgyz Republic, which defines the rights and obligations of foreign citizens, as well as the conditions for obtaining compatriot status with foreign citizenship.
The Law on External Migration also describes the status of compatriots with foreign citizenship and simplified procedures for entry and residence in the country.
The procedure for issuing 'Meken Kart' and the categories of individuals eligible for obtaining it are determined by a special regulation approved by the Cabinet of Ministers on October 8, 2021, No. 203.
Are Changes Planned for 'Meken Kart' Issuance?
— Currently, the expansion of rights for holders is not planned. However, the procedure for issuing the document has been simplified: for children under 14 years old, a certificate of no criminal record in a foreign state is no longer required, which reduces the administrative burden on applicants.
Popularity of 'Meken Kart' Among Compatriots
— The greatest interest in the program is shown by citizens of Russia, Germany, and Turkmenistan. Applications are also 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.
