Kyrgyz Ambassador Meets with US Official Over Visa Rules

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kyrgyz Republic to the US, Aibek Moldogaziev, has met with John Pommersheim, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Central and South Asian Affairs.

The discussion focused on current Kyrgyzstan-US cooperation and preparations for the B5+1 Business Forum, scheduled for February 4-5 in Bishkek, The Caspian Post reports via Kyrgyz media.

A key topic was the new White House requirements for Kyrgyz citizens applying for B-1/B-2 visas and the temporary suspension of immigrant visa issuance. Moldogaziev expressed concern that these measures could reduce business and tourism contacts, potentially slowing the growth of trade and economic ties. He proposed exploring mutually acceptable solutions.

Pommersheim noted that the measures were part of US efforts to combat illegal migration but expressed openness to further discussions. Starting January 21, Kyrgyz citizens applying for US nonimmigrant visas in the B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourism) categories must pay a refundable bond ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.