Brussels, 14/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - Georgian citizens will be able to get EU entry visas more easily after a new visa agreement between the EU and Georgia was approved by the European Parliament on Tuesday. MEPs also backed an agreement with Tbilisi on the readmission of illegal immigrants. The visa facilitation accord with Georgia will simplify the documents required for Georgian nationals who want a short-term visa for the EU. A decision on whether to issue a visa will have to be taken within 10 days of the application's being lodged. The fee will be €35, although some people will not be required to pay a visa fee, for example, students, journalists, pensioners, children below the age of 12, disabled people, close relatives of Georgian citizens legally residing in an EU member state and civil society leaders. Parliament also approved an agreement on the readmission of illegal immigrants. Georgia and the EU will have to take back any of their nationals who are in an irregular situation on their territories. Nationals of third countries and stateless persons will also have to be taken back if it is proved that the person holds a visa for the signatory state or has resided or transited through that country. MEPs gave their backing to both agreements on the basis of two reports by Nathalie Griesbeck (ALDE, France). The agreements now need to be formally approved by the Council. They will come into force two months after notification by both parties that the ratification process has been completed. (B.C./transl.rt)