Minsk set to offer privileges to people of Belarusian descent living abroad

• 13.08.2008, 18:30

The Belarusian government plans to offer privileges to people of Belarusian descent who live abroad, Alyaksey Byahun, deputy chief of the interior ministry’s Department for Citizenship and Migration, told reporters in Minsk on August 12.

The privileges also will be granted to people “who actively cooperate with the country,” according to the official.

The plans appear to be modeled after Poland’s Polish Charter Law, which entitles people of Polish descent to a free-of-charge multi-entry visa and the rights to work, set up a company and study in the country.

The law caused an angry reaction from the Belarusian government earlier this year.

Mr. Byahun said that a draft law providing for the measure had already been drawn up and approved by most governmental agencies concerned.

“This is one of the steps aimed at allowing Belarus to actively work with compatriots living abroad,” he said, expressing hope that the measure would lead to an increase in the country’s workforce.