Prime Minister Zandanshatar Receives Mongolian and Vietnamese Cosmonauts www.montsame.mn

Prime Minister of Mongolia Zandanshatar Gombojav received Gurragchaa Jugderdemid, Hero of the Mongolian People’s Republic and the Soviet Union, and Phạm Tuân, a fighter pilot of the Vietnam Air Force, the first Asian cosmonaut, and Hero of the Soviet Union and the People’s Armed Forces of Vietnam.

From March 22 to 30, 1981, the joint Soviet–Mongolian space mission Soyuz-39 was successfully carried out, making Mongolia the 10th country in the world to send its citizen into space. The Prime Minister extended congratulations to Hero Gurragchaa on the 45th anniversary of this historic event, recalling it as a moment of great national pride.

He noted that this was not merely a single flight, but a landmark event that opened a new chapter in Mongolia’s science, research, and international cooperation. The crew of Soyuz-39 worked aboard the Salyut-6 space station, successfully conducting numerous important experiments in the fields of medicine and biology, thereby making a tangible contribution to Mongolia’s scientific development.

Gurragchaa Jugderdemid, Hero of the Mongolian People’s Republic and the Soviet Union, and Phạm Tuân, fighter pilot of the Vietnam Air Force, the first Asian cosmonaut, and Hero of the Soviet Union and the People’s Armed Forces of Vietnam, trained together for two years from 1978 at the Soviet “Zvyozdni Gorodok" (Star City), where they formed a lasting friendship. They are attending, as distinguished guests, the international scientific conference on aerospace technology under the theme “Space Cooperation,” held in commemoration of the 45th anniversary of the first Mongolian in space.

Mr. Phạm Tuân expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Zandanshatar for receiving him and noted that he feels a close affinity with Mongolia. He shared that he has visited Mongolia many times, first arriving in 1965, and even observed Mongolia from space. He added that he was pleased to return to participate in the celebrations marking the 45th anniversary of Mongolia’s first human spaceflight.

The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for meeting Pham Tuan, who flew into space in 1980 and is not only a national hero of Vietnam but also a figure of historic significance for Asia. He emphasized that the friendship between the two heroes is not only a personal bond but also a symbol that has strengthened the friendship between the peoples of Mongolia and Vietnam and continues to inspire future cooperation.

Mongolia, Kazakhstan to cooperate on oil imports and gold processing www.gogo.mn

Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources G.Damdinnyam received a delegation led by Bizhanova Aizhan Adilovna, First Deputy Minister of Trade and Integration of Republic of Kazakhstan.

During the meeting, the parties highlighted the upcoming state visit of U.Khurelsukh to Kazakhstan in April and exchanged views on cooperation in exploration and production, oil products, and nuclear energy.

Mongolia proposed concluding a long-term agreement to import crude oil and petroleum products from Kazakhstan, a proposal that was supported by the Kazakh side. The parties also discussed cooperation in the refining sector, including gold processing, and agreed to move forward by signing a memorandum of cooperation and working jointly on its implementation.

831 engineers and technicians working on Selbe 20 Minute City construction www.gogo.mn

Construction work on the first seven packages of the Selbe 20 Minute City project is continuing in stages on a 158-hectare site covering the 14th and 18th khoroos of Chingeltei District and the 14th khoroo of Sukhbaatar District, near the 5th, 6th and 7th stations. The project will include 8,575 apartments.

As of today, 831 engineers, technicians and skilled workers are carrying out planned work at the Selbe City construction site with 53 machineries. 

The first phase of the project, which will comprise 3,818 apartments, is scheduled to be commissioned in the third quarter of 2027. Green space will account for 37% of the total area, while schools, kindergartens, health centres, public service facilities, sports complexes, cinemas, and shopping and service centres will also be built. 

Selbe City is a major urban development project designed to create a comprehensive environment for housing, services, culture and business. During its implementation, the project is expected to create more than 10,000 temporary jobs and make a meaningful contribution to national development.

Illegal hunting of argali could result in MNT 44 million fine www.gogo.mn

Mongolia has updated the ecological and economic valuation of wildlife under Government Resolution No. 260 of 5 July 2023, introducing a system that assesses animals individually without distinguishing by sex or age.

Under the Law on Animals, compensation for damage caused by illegal hunting without proper permits is calculated at twice the government-approved ecological and economic value of the animal. As a result, the illegal hunting of an argali can lead to a fine of up to MNT 44 million. 

Ecological-economic valuation of animals

Argali sheep- MNT 22,200,000
Ibex- MNT 5,300,000
Black-tailed gazelle- MNT 3,330,000
Gray wolf- MNT 1,130,000
Corsac fox- MNT 220,000
Marmot- MNT 410,000
Falcon- MNT 16,000,000
Mongolian gazelle- MNT 997,000
Anyone who illegally hunts wildlife without proper permits shall pay a fine, and compensation for damage caused to wildlife shall be calculated at twice the animal’s ecological-economic valuation.

Draft Resolution Submitted to Amend Import Customs Duty Rates www.montsame.mn

On March 19, 2026, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Damdinnayam Gongor submitted to Speaker of the State Great Khural Uchral Nyam-Osor a draft parliamentary resolution to amend Resolution No. 27 of 1999, “On Approving the Rates and Amounts of Customs Duties on Imported Goods.”

According to the initiator, if adopted, the draft would grant the Government the authority to set the customs duty rate on gasoline, a widely consumed public commodity, thereby enabling more flexible regulation of duties in line with market conditions. Mongolia currently meets 100 percent of its fuel demand through imports, with approximately 95 percent sourced from the Russian Federation and the remainder from the People’s Republic of China.

Last December, the State Great Khural ratified the Interim Trade Agreement between Mongolia and the Eurasian Economic Union and its member states. The sector minister noted that once the agreement is ratified by the other member states, customs duties on automotive gasoline will be reduced to zero. The draft resolution has been initiated as a responsive measure pending the agreement’s entry into force, and in light of volatility in global petroleum product prices influenced by the situation in the Middle East.

Under Resolution No. 27 of 1999, the customs duty on fuel had been set at five percent but was subsequently reduced to zero. The initiator emphasized that adoption of the draft would further contribute to lowering retail fuel prices. For instance, the current customs duty on AI-92 gasoline stands at MNT 125,633 per ton; reducing this to zero would lower the price by MNT 106 per liter, yielding an estimated benefit of MNT 57 per liter.

The draft resolution consists of two articles and includes provisions specifying its effective date and duration, according to the Press and Public Relations Department of the State Great Khural.

Cambodia Joins Ethiopia, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Tunisia and Others as U.S. Expands Five Thousand To Fifteen Thousand dollars Visa Bond Requirement Travelers and Business Operations Starting April 2 www.travelandtourworld.com

Starting April 2, Cambodia, alongside Ethiopia, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Tunisia, and others, will be subject to the U.S. Department of State’s expanded visa bond program, requiring travelers to pay between five thousand to fifteen thousand dollars. This move, designed to address the growing issue of visa overstays, will have a significant impact on both individual travelers and businesses that depend on U.S. visits, adding financial complexity and delays to  travel plans. The expansion underscores the U.S. government’s effort to ensure compliance with visa terms, placing an additional burden on international travelers and corporate operations.

On March 18, the U.S. Department of State made a significant announcement regarding the expansion of its visa bond pilot program, which now affects an additional 12 countries. This expansion is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to combat visa overstays, a move initially reintroduced during the Trump administration. Starting April 2, nationals from these 12 newly added countries will be required to pay refundable cash bonds before their B-1/B-2 visa applications can be processed.

These bonds, which range from $5,000 to $15,000, must be paid in full via a wire transfer to a U.S. government escrow account or through a cashier’s cheque before the visa interview can take place. This initiative will significantly impact travelers from these 12 countries, as well as companies and organizations that often send employees to the United States on short-term visits.

New Countries Affected by Visa Bond Requirement
As of April 2, the following countries will be added to the list of nations subject to the expanded visa bond program:

Cambodia
Ethiopia
Georgia
Grenada
Lesotho
Mauritius
Mongolia
Mozambique
Nicaragua
Papua New Guinea
Seychelles
Tunisia
These countries join 38 others already subject to the program, bringing the total to 50 countries. Nationals from these countries, whose B-1/B-2 visa applications are processed, will now face the new requirement.

How the Visa Bond Program Works
The visa bond program requires that individuals from these countries pay a cash bond before their visa applications can be processed. The bond amounts vary, with some individuals required to pay $5,000, others $10,000, and some as much as $15,000, depending on their country of origin. This refundable bond is intended to deter visa overstays and ensure that individuals depart the United States within the allowed time frame.
The bond payment must be made prior to the visa interview, either by wire transfer to a U.S. government escrow account or via a cashier’s cheque. If the visa application is denied, the bond is refunded. However, if the visa is approved, the bond will be held until U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) confirms that the traveler has left the United States in accordance with the terms of their visa.

The Rationale Behind the Visa Bond Program
The U.S. government reintroduced the visa bond concept in late 2025 as part of a broader effort to address the growing issue of visa overstays. According to data from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), nationals from countries where more than 10% of travelers overstayed their B-1/B-2 visas in the previous fiscal year may be required to post a bond.

The program’s proponents argue that it has been successful in encouraging compliance, as nearly 97% of the 1,000 individuals who posted bonds last year left the U.S. before their authorized stay ended. This statistic is often highlighted by the government as evidence of the program’s effectiveness.

However, immigration lawyers caution that the data used to assess the program’s impact may be too limited. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which rely on quick business trips to the U.S., are likely to feel the negative effects of the expanded program. These businesses will face higher upfront costs, longer visa processing times, and potential delays in securing necessary approvals for their employees.

The Financial Impact on Companies and Travelers
The introduction of the visa bond requirement will place a financial burden on both travelers and corporations. Businesses that frequently send employees to the U.S. from these affected countries should expect higher upfront costs due to the bond payments. Additionally, the processing time for visa applications may increase, causing delays that could impact operations and scheduling.

The bond must be paid in full before the visa interview, which may tie up working capital for companies in need of quick  travel approvals. Companies with employees in the newly added countries may also face employee relations challenges, as employees may need to wait weeks to receive refunds after their bonds are processed.

In a further complication, refunds of the visa bond are not immediate. Typically, refunds are processed within six to eight weeks, during which time businesses may experience significant cash flow constraints. The ability to recover the funds after the traveler has left the U.S. may affect some companies’ ability to operate smoothly, especially SMEs that depend on rapid business travel.

How VisaHQ Helps Travelers and Companies Navigate the New Requirements
For businesses and travelers navigating the complexities of the expanded visa bond program, VisaHQ offers comprehensive services to streamline the process. These services include document pre-screening, consular appointment scheduling, and real-time tracking of application status updates. Through VisaHQ’s platform, applicants can determine if they will be required to post a bond, understand how to send funds quickly and securely, and receive guidance on the refund process.

By using VisaHQ’s services, travelers and organizations can ensure that their visa applications are processed in a timely manner, minimizing the disruption caused by the expanded visa bond program.

Preparing for the New Bond Requirements
Experts suggest that travelers and organizations take proactive steps to reduce the likelihood of being required to post a bond. To do so, travelers should provide consular officers with thorough documentation that demonstrates their intent to depart the U.S. at the end of their authorized stay. Recommended documents include return tickets, hotel reservations, meeting agendas, and proof of onward travel. This will help demonstrate to consular officers that the traveler has no intention of overstaying their visa.

Moreover, consular officers are granted broad discretion in determining whether a bond will be required. Travelers with a strong U.S. travel history, or those with urgent schedules, may still be able to avoid the bond requirement, depending on the specifics of their case.

Starting April 2, Ethiopia, Georgia, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Tunisia, and others will be subject to the U.S. visa bond program, requiring travelers to pay between five thousand to fifteen thousand dollars. This move aims to curb visa overstays and will significantly impact both individual travelers and businesses relying on U.S. visits.

What’s Next for the Visa Bond Program?
The State Department has indicated that it will review the visa bond program again in September 2026, at which point it may adjust the list of affected countries or make further changes to the program. Companies with a global workforce should closely monitor the program’s impact on their operations and compliance, especially in light of the potential for further expansion or modification in the future.

As the program continues to evolve, both travelers and organizations will need to remain agile, ensuring they are in compliance with the latest regulations and prepared for the financial and logistical challenges posed by the visa bond requirement.

Mongolia Supports Civic Space Reforms but Key Restrictions Remain www.civicus.org

Geneva: Statement at the 61st Session UN Human Rights Council, Adoption of the UPR report of Mongolia

Delivered by Urantulkhuur Mandkhaitsetsen, Center for Human Rights and Development
Mr. President,

CIVICUS, ADN and CHRD welcomes Mongolia’s engagement in the UPR process. In this cycle, we note that Mongolia received 23 recommendations on civic space and supported 22 of them.

We welcome, that the government has supported recommendations to protect human rights defenders and journalists, ensure that laws are not misused to restrict them and protect them from all acts of harassment and intimidation. We also welcome its support towards repealing Article 13.14 of the Criminal Code on defamation and to ensure press freedom.

However, we are disappointed that the government chose not to support recommendations to review or repeal Article 17.6 and 19.11 of the Criminal Code, which has also been used to target activists and journalists

In recent years, our organisations have documented the harassment and criminalisation of activists and journalists. We are also deeply concerned by draft NGO laws that are inconsistent with international law and standards. We are further alarmed by proposed laws to control the internet, and restrictions in law and practice against peaceful protests.

Mr President, we urge the government of Mongolia to take concrete steps to implement the UPR recommendations by ensuring all laws are consistent with the ICCPR, that the 2021 Human Rights Defenders law is effectively implemented and to revise the Law on Organising Demonstrations and Public Gatherings so that they comply with international human rights law and standards.

We thank you.

Mongolia, Russia to Cooperate in Railway Project and Restoration of Direct Flight www.montsame.mn

Within the framework of the Mongolia-Russia-China Economic Corridor Program, discussions will be held to consolidate the feasibility studies for the central railway corridor, and a relevant document is expected to be signed during the International Transport and Logistics Forum to be held in St. Petersburg this April.

Minister of Road and Transport Delgersaikhan Borkhuu held a virtual meeting with Russian Deputy Minister of Transport Dmitry Zverev, during which the parties agreed to finalize and sign documents related to this initiative, as well as Bagakhangai-Khushig Valley branch railway project, according to the Ministry of Road and Transport.

The parties also agreed to advance discussions on restoring direct flights between Ulaanbaatar and Moscow and to intensify preparatory work.

The Mongolia-Russia-China Economic Corridor Program was approved in 2016, when the presidents of the three countries signed the agreement in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

The central railway corridor of the trilateral economic corridor will span 5,975 km. China has completed the feasibility study for the 328 km Jining-Erenhot section, while Russia has prepared the feasibility study for the 254 km Naushki-Ulaan-Ude section. Mongolia, for its part, has included in its feasibility study the construction of a second railway line spanning 1,087 km between Sukhbaatar and Zamiin-Uud.

The government has decided to liquidate LLC "Erchist Mongolia," a state-owned enterprise www.open.kg

The tasks of LLC 'Erchist Mongolia' included representing the interests of the state as a shareholder, including:

Participation in 34 percent of the shares of state joint-stock companies in the energy sector, as well as

Acting on behalf of the government in six different companies, such as MIAT Mongolian Airlines, the State Joint-Stock Company 'Mongolian Railways', the Road Repair and Maintenance Company, Auto Impex, LLC 'Information and Communication Network', and LLC 'State Housing Corporation'.

Operational expenses were financed through loans from commercial banks, resulting in the company accumulating a debt of ₮3.5 billion, which led to serious financial difficulties.

Founded in accordance with government decrees dated January 8, 2025, the purpose of creating the company was to ensure centralized management and control over state enterprises. However, despite these intentions, it failed to fulfill its assigned tasks and created additional financial problems. In this regard, the government decided to dissolve the company to prevent further deterioration of the financial situation.

Hilton to enter Mongolia with Conrad Ulaanbaatar signing www.latteluxurynews.com

Hilton has inked its first hotel in Mongolia, signing a management deal to open the Conrad Ulaanbaatar in the nation’s capital in 2028. The 227-room hotel will rise within the Ulaanbaatar Eco Tower, a landmark mixed-use complex that brings together commercial, entertainment, hospitality and upscale lifestyle offerings in the capital city. 

“Entering Mongolia with Conrad Hotels & Resorts marks a significant milestone in Hilton’s continued growth in the region,” said Qian Jin, President, Greater China & Mongolia, Hilton. “This signing reflects our confidence in the long-term potential of Mongolia, and our commitment to partnering with owners to deliver meaningful, experience-led luxury for today’s discerning traveller.”

The luxury hotel will offer a prime location within walking distance of key cultural and commercial landmarks such as Sükhbaatar Square, the National Art Gallery, and the National Academic Drama Theatre.

“This landmark signing to bring Conrad Hotels & Resorts to Ulaanbaatar meets the city’s evolution as a gateway between tradition and modernity,” Candice D’Cruz, Vice President, Luxury Brands, Asia Pacific, Hilton, said. “Conrad’s bold design approach and intuitive service will bring a contemporary expression of luxury that resonates with globally minded travellers while celebrating the character and culture of the destination.”

Conrad Ulaanbaatar joins almost 100 trading and pipeline Conrad Hotels & Resorts properties across five continents in iconic destinations, 16 of which are located in Greater China. Conrad hotel openings this year include Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Greece.