The new law provides, among other things, for the extension of the period during which foreigners must register with the local police office in the district in which they are staying. This period has been extended from 5 to 10 days. The decision seeks to increase the tourist and investment appeal of the country and ease business and private contacts.

All in all, the document is designed to improve a series of legal norms. With a view to protecting the society and the state from various kinds of threats, the document amends the grounds for visa denial and refusal of entry to Belarus. Simultaneously, the document lays out a mechanism of providing foreigners and their proxies with information on their inclusion in the list of persons whose entry into the Republic of Belarus is prohibited or undesirable.

This topic was raised during the recent meeting of the head of state with students and staff of medical universities. During the meeting one of foreign students suggested increasing the period of registration for foreigners arriving in Belarus. Aleksandr Lukashenko noted that this matter had already been discussed. “This issue will be resolved soon,” he said.