A visa-free ‘gesture of goodwill’ is not reciprocated abroad, while local firms refrain from helping their expat employees obtain visas

for many of our readers. As an article in this week’s issue of the Post points out, Ukraine considers the 2005 decree on visa-free travel for Europeans, North Americans and Japanese to have been a gesture of good will – one that has not been reciprocated.

Ukraine is right in demanding better treatment for its own citizens traveling abroad. But in the long run, the country may be cutting itself out of the lucrative tourist loop by introducing measures that are unclear in their definition and enforcement.

As for expats looking to circumvent the rules to secure prolonged stays in Ukraine, they should get their residency permits or make arrangements to at least pay taxes in the country.

Ukrainian employers that wish to hire foreigners to work in Ukraine should be responsible for securing visas and the necessary work permits, and not leave that as a problem to be resolved by their expat employees.