Today in the course of the briefing at the press center of the Government, the Minister of Culture and Sports Arystanbek Mukhamediuly said that serious progress has been made in Kazakhstan in the field of visa and migration regimes.

So, for the first time during the Expo-2017 exhibition, a 72-hour visa-free transit for citizens of China, following flights by Kazakhstan airlines through international airports of Astana and Almaty to third countries was approved in the pilot mode.

The project showed its effectiveness and safety. Only in three months, more than 4.5 thousand citizens from China visited Kazakhstan, leaving in the economy of the country from $250 to $300 each. This regime was extended until the end of 2018.

"At this time, we went on to extend the term. It is very important for us to continue this practice further," said Arystanbek Mukhamediuly.

In addition, the minister noted that in the near future, it is planned to introduce a similar regime for India.

"Now we are working on the issue of introducing a 72-hour visa-free transit for Indian citizens. This is an international experience. As you know, the world's largest airports are economically developed hubs. The Head of State always notes that Kazakhstan should become an economic hub in the field of air communication, and in other directions," Arystanbek Mukhamediuly stressed.

The Minister drew attention to the fact that today India is rapidly developing economically and is one of the leaders in outbound tourism.

"If Kazakhstan becomes a transit hub between India and other countries, then, of course, the economic situation in Kazakhstan will move for the better," the minister concluded.

For reference: Kazakhstan provides a 90-day visa-free regime for citizens of Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Mongolia, Russia and Ukraine and 30 days for citizens of Argentina, Azerbaijan, Serbia, the Republic of Korea, Tajikistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan.

In 2014, the state launched a program to provide a 15-day visa-free regime to citizens from countries that more than others invested in the economy of Kazakhstan. These countries are Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Malaysia, the Netherlands, the USA, France and Japan. In 2015, the number of countries participating in the program increased to 19: it included Australia, Belgium, Hungary, Spain, Monaco, Norway, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland and Finland.

From 1 January 2017, citizens of the EU countries and OECD, Malaysia, Monaco, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore can come to Kazakhstan for up to 30 days without a visa.