Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – According to a press release from the Prime Minister’s Office, clear economic interests are the main reason why Montenegro has established a visa-free regime with a number of countries.
The Office explained that, in the current global circumstances, access to new markets and facilitating the arrival of tourists and investors is crucial for the sustainability of Montenegrin tourism, which accounts for 26 percent of the country’s GDP.
Clear economic interests are precisely the main reason why Montenegro has established a visa-free regime with a number of countries,” the press release states, referring to the alignment of Montenegro’s visa policy with the European Union (EU).
The press release gives the example of Russia, from which 230,000 tourists come annually. Additionally, this country still has significant influence on the economy, with the largest number of foreign nationals in Montenegro having regulated residence.
It also mentions Azerbaijan, which has invested €1 billion in the Portonovi resort, adding that around 15,000 tourists from this country visit Montenegro each year.
“There are noticeable growing investments in real estate and tourism from Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, as well as a significant potential (aviation connections and influx of guests) for the diversification of the tourism market,” the press release states.
To fulfil commitments under the Reform Agenda, the ministries of foreign and internal affairs are actively working on harmonizing visa policy with the EU and adapting to Schengen rules through several initiatives.
This primarily includes amendments to legislation, specifically the Law on Foreigners.
“In cooperation with the EU, we will continue to seek the best solutions that will simultaneously satisfy our national economic interests and the obligations we have in the EU accession process, as outlined by the Reform Agenda 2024-2027, including the gradual abolition of the visa-free regime for countries that require a visa for the EU, which will be fully aligned by the time Montenegro becomes an EU member,” the press release concludes.
