On simplification of visa procedures for representatives of business circles and tourist groups

15.07.2021

AGREEMENT

between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, hereinafter referred individually as a «Party» and collectively to as the «Parties»,

striving for the further strengthening of friendly relations between the two countries,

in accordance with the principles of equality and mutual benefit,

in order to further develop bilateral cooperation in the spheres of trade, economy, investment and tourism,

have agreed as follows:

Article 1

The Parties, on the terms of reciprocity and within the framework of the legislation in force of their States, introduce a simplified procedure for the issuance of visas for representatives of business circles and tourist groups of the States of the Parties.

Article 2

For the purposes of this Agreement, the following terms are used:

«Representatives of business circles» — citizens of the State of one Party who carry out investment and entrepreneurial activities in the territory of the State of the other Party;

«Tourist group» — citizens of the State of one Party who travel in the number of 5 (five) or more persons and enter the territory of the State of the other Party simultaneously for purposes of tourism;

«Competent authorities» — authorities of the State of the Parties responsible for the implementation of this Agreement.

Article 3

The competent authorities of the States of the Parties, after receipt of the relevant documents required by the legislation of the States of the Parties, within 3 (three) working days (not counting the day of receiving the documents) consider them, and in case of approval, issue a confirmation for issuance a visa.

Based on the confirmation for issuance of visa diplomatic missions and consular offices of the States of the Parties shall issue:

multiple-entry visas up to 6 (six) months validity for representatives of business circles of the State of one Party visiting the State of the other Party for business purposes;

tourist visas up to 30 (thirty) days to citizens of the State of one Party visiting the State of the other Party as a tourist in the tourist group.

In exceptional cases, due to the need for additional consideration, the deadline for issuing visas may be extended, but not more than 10 (ten) days.

Article 4

In order to implement the provisions of this Agreement, the competent authorities of the States of the Parties are:

for the Republic of Uzbekistan — Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan;

for the Islamic Republic of Pakistan — Ministry of Interior of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

If the official name and functions of the said competent authorities are changed, the Parties shall inform each other in a timely manner through diplomatic channels.

Article 5

This Agreement does not deprive the Parties of the right to prohibit the entry or restrict of the stay of citizens of State of the other Party whose presence on the territory of the State of one Party is considered undesirable.

Article 6

The citizens of the States of the Parties specified in Article 1 of this Agreement must respect and comply with the national legislation and regulations of the State of the other Party, including the procedure for entry, departure and stay of foreign citizens.

Article 7

The Parties retain the right to temporarily, partially or completely suspend the operation of this Agreement for reasons of national security, public order and public health.

The Party taking such measures shall inform the other Party, as soon as possible, but not later than 24 (twenty four) hours through diplomatic channels, of the taking these measures and their cancellation respectively.

Article 8

This Agreement shall not affect the rights and obligations of the Parties arising from other international treaties to which their States are parties.

Article 9

By mutual consent of the Parties, this Agreement may be amended and supplemented by separate protocols which shall be made as an integral part of this Agreement and shall enter into force in the like manner provided in Article 11 of this Agreement.

Article 10

In case of contradictions and disagreements on the interpretation or application of the provisions of this Agreement, the Parties shall resolve them through bilateral negotiations and consultations.

Article 11

This Agreement shall enter into force 30 (thirty) days after the date of signature and shall remain in force until 90 (ninety) days from the date of receipt by one Party of the official notification of the other Party of its intention to terminate this Agreement.

Done at Tashkent on 15 July 2021, in two original copies, each in Uzbek and English, all texts being equally authentic.

In case of disagreement in the interpretation of the provisions of this Agreement, the Parties shall follow the English text.

(signatures)