Deputy PM: Supporting compatriots abroad is priority of state policy

Bishkek, Aug.1, 2019 /Kabar/. Supporting compatriots abroad is a priority of state policy, Deputy Prime Minister Altynai Omurbekova said during the meeting of the Council on Relations with Compatriots Abroad under President of the Kyrgyz Republic, the press service of the Government said.
"Our compatriots, living outside Kyrgyzstan make a significant contribution to the development of the country as a whole and the regions in particular, and many important infrastructure projects are being implemented with their support. Currently, there is an active trend to consolidate compatriots living abroad," Altynai Omurbekova said.
The deputy prime minister mentioned that forums with participation of compatriots are already bearing fruit. Thus, the Law on Support of Compatriots Abroad was adopted in 2013, in 2015 the Council on Relations with Compatriots under Prime Minister was established. Then, the same Council under President of the Kyrgyz Republic was established to strengthen integration processes, exchange experiences and solve various problems of Kyrgyz citizens.
The official noted the issues of improving the legislative framework in the field of migration remain relevant, adding that a number of measures have been prepared for effective interaction with compatriots and diaspora organizations.
"A new version of the draft Law "On the Fundamentals of State Policy to Support Compatriots Abroad" has been developed. In addition, a working group has been formed, which is currently working on a long-term Concept of State Policy in migration. Work is under way on the Meken-Card national initiative, under which a Kyrgyz citizen with foreign citizenship will be able to obtain a so-called certificate of compatriot, which gives him/her a number of privileges. The Economy Ministry has developed the Mekenim Program project, which opens up good opportunities for Kyrgyz compatriots to invest in the national economy, open businesses and implement projects in the sphere of small and medium-sized businesses," she recalled.
Deputy PM Altynai Omurbekova noted the heads of relevant government agencies are taking part in the forum, who are ready to discuss with their compatriots all the relevant issues and identify ways to solve them.