Visa Rules & Travel Costs: The U.S. has made its refundable visa bond program permanent, with consular officers able to require up to $20,000 from eligible B1/B2 tourist and business applicants from 50 countries, including Kyrgyzstan—money is refunded if conditions are followed, kept if not. Repatriation & Reintegration: Kyrgyzstan repatriated about 500 citizens from Syria and Iraq, mostly women and children, with medical checks, psychological support, and steps to place children into education and guardianship. University Admissions: The fourth round of Kyrgyzstan’s university admissions opens via Abiturient Online, with registration until Aug 5 and about 10,000 state-funded grant places across five rounds. Sports & Culture Spotlight: Issyk-Kul is hosting the F1H2O “Grand Prix of Kyrgyzstan,” while local tourism gets a boost from ethnic performances like Salbuurun featuring berkutchi, mounted archers, and musicians. Education & Teachers’ Rights: Kyrgyzstan’s education authorities respond to complaints over teachers being pushed into unpaid leave and delays in July salary calculations, citing labor rules on extended vacation. Cultural Heritage: Bishkek’s National History Museum received a new exhibit tied to Abdykerim Sydykov, strengthening public access to national history.