Visas

The performance and the reputation of the "Golden Visa" residence permit program in Greece are being tarnished by the presence of a number of companies that are of doubtful origin and solvency and have been active in the local market over the last couple of years despite lacking the necessary funds.

A joint ministerial decision broadening of the criteria for non-European Union citizens to be granted a five-year residence permit, or Golden Visa, was published in the government gazette on Thursday.

Human Rights Watch, HRW, on Friday said Croatia should not be allowed to joint the passport-free Schengen area because of its "unlawful" and violent pushbacks of refugees and asylum seekers.

The European Travel Information and Authorisation System, ETIAS, is a visa waiver programme that aims "to strengthen the borders of the Schengen Area by pre-checking the data of travellers before they enter the zone", according to the ETIAS website.

The system was being introduced because the alternative was to return visas and take biometric data at consular posts, Banjaluka based "Nezavisne" reports.

The European Commission announced on Tuesday that Croatia has "taken the measures needed to ensure that the necessary conditions for the full application of the Schengen rules and standards are met".

She stated that Russian delegation in Sochi consisted of 200 members, who were regularly issued visas in the past.
Zakharova had commented on Facebook on the reaction of US officials who stated that they had reviewed every single visa request, adding that the procedure is confidential, and that they have taken this duty "quite seriously".

Prime Minister Boyko Borissov was the guest of honour at the forum of the ruling Christian Social Union in Germany. From there came support for Bulgaria in the investment race of Volkswagen. The meeting with the Christian Social Union had great symbolic power. It should reach potential investors like the automotive concern, said Bundestag leader Alexander Dobrindt.

Visa-free travel between Russia and Turkey goes into effect starting today, said Turkish Foreign Ministry in a statement on Aug 7.

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