NationStates Jolt Archive


Kelonia Implements new Immigration Laws

Kelonian States
24-08-2004, 21:47
Bringing to an end it's usually lenient and permissive immigration policy, the Kelonian government today decided to bring into force a bill that has been debated around the leaders of the government departments and the provinces (the group known as Mashcheyna or 'power group' in Kelonian - an unfortunate spelling as a popular joke about their lack of efficiency is to call them 'Machena', or 'Machine') for almost a year - mostly it covers things like the new reject-by-default policy, however there are a few exceptions:

People who are Kelonian within the last 3 generations will be considered for entry. This is to allow families who fled the country under the old imperial regime and who have still not returned the same oppertunities they had under the old scheme.
People of Jewish race (not merely Jewish religion) will be considered for entry. This is to continue the Kelonian government's close links with its origins. Basic criteria (basic education, training, etc. or cases of perscution) will still be required for rapid entry, but all cases will be considered.
People not of Jewish or Kelonian origin who have qualifications in areas Kelonia needs, or any qualification of level Doctorate or above may be considered for entry. People who do not have sufficient qualifications and do not match the other criteria will be turned away.
People not of Jewish or Kelonian who are willing to contribute $400,000 to government funds will be considered for entry. The money is to cover expenses incurred by them and their families if they were to live off of government funding for their conceivable lifespan.
People who qualify for Kelonian citizenship will be allowed to bring their current immediate family with them. This extends to spouses and children under 18. Extenuating circumstances will be considered but others will have to apply individually. Also, marriage to a Kelonian citizen does not make someone immediately viable. This is to prevent 'sham marriage' schemes.


Kelonian Premier Maksim F. Romaninko had this to say:
"We feel the new rules bring us into line with other nations' policies - an 'open doors' policy does tend to lead to abuse - and is not overly harsh on anyone. We believe these rules are fair and will bring further stability to the country. These laws are now in effect. Thank you.

A short speech from the Premier, who prefers to run things from behind the scenes, as Vice-Premier Zamantha Flakkov was notably absent from the press conference. Ms. Flakkov is usually the 'face' of the government when it takes an official stance, and so it was surprising to see Premier Romaninko making the speech himself. Whether this was to lend greater authority to it to avoid demonstrations or whether it was just because Ms. Flakkov was busy and going further down the chain would have devalued the announcement is something we're yet to see, but so far there has been very little protest from inside Kelonia - This is, however, an unexpected decision from the government, which has been leaning heavily to the left on certain issues recently - not least drug law and religious tolerance.

This has been another broadcast brought to you by KTN - Kelonian Television News