The Minister of Internal Affairs of Ukraine Arsen Avakov and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during an official visit by an Israeli politician to Kyiv discussed the situation that arises when Ukrainian and Israeli citizens cross the borders of both countries.

Arsen Avakov stated that thanks to the joint and consistent work of law enforcement agencies of Ukraine and Israel, it became possible to solve the problem of crossing the borders of both countries.  After the signing in this July of the Declaration on the intensification of cooperation, the problematic issues arising during border control were resolved.

The Minister recalled that according to the State Border Service 4.5 thousand citizens of Ukraine did not receive permission to cross the Israeli border in 2017,  another 3.5 thousand – in 2018, and this year 2.5 thousand Ukrainians could not visit Israel.  At the same time, over the past year 220 Israeli citizens were unable to enter Ukraine, and in 2019 – 716.  However, since July 24 of this year, there has not been a single refusal from the Ukrainian side.

The Minister recalled that according to the State Border Service 4.5 thousand citizens of Ukraine did not receive permission to cross the Israeli border in 2017,  another 3.5 thousand – in 2018, and this year 2.5 thousand Ukrainians could not visit Israel.  At the same time, over the past year 220 Israeli citizens were unable to enter Ukraine, and in 2019 – 716.  However, since July 24 of this year, there has not been a single refusal from the Ukrainian side.

“For today we have managed to ensure proper treatment of Ukrainian and Israeli citizens during border and customs control, reduce the waiting time for return flights, and in the case of refusal to cross the border, provide citizens with an official document explaining the reason for the refusal”, – said Arsen Avakov.

In turn, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that close bilateral cooperation between the law enforcement bodies of Ukraine and Israel allowed resolving the problems of refusals when crossing the border.  He noted the positive dynamics of Ukrainian-Israeli relations, a high level of mutual understanding and trust between states, including between law enforcement agencies.

Also, Ukraine and Israel continue to cooperate in ensuring the safety of tourists, as well as countering the illegal employment of citizens of both countries.