The agreements were signed at a Russia-EU summit at the Russian Black resort of Sochi May 25. The bill was passed by the Russian lower house February 14 and approved by the upper house February 21. President Vladimir Putin signed the document into law March 4.
The visa facilitation agreement is seen as a crucial step toward a visa-free regime between Russia and the EU. The document eases the procedure of obtaining visas for certain categories of people.
"Excessive bureaucratic formalities in obtaining Schengen visas will no longer exist for such categories of citizens as businessmen, scientists, cultural figures, athletes, journalists, students and teachers, and relatives," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
The ministry also said the readmission agreement would help foster Russia's role in international efforts to fight illegal migration.
The readmission agreement is designed to facilitate the expulsion of illegal immigrants who have come from Russia or via Russia from any other country. Under the agreement, the EU provides funds for taking back and resettling these people.
"We are sure that both Russia and the EU are committed to implementing the agreements in full," the ministry said.
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