PhD in Russian Studies, Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract
Recognizing the pivotal role of facilitating cross-border mobility in fostering regional integration, this study examines the feasibility of a common visa scheme for the BRICS group and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The central research question concerns the factors that facilitate or constrain the implementation of such an initiative. The theoretical framework is grounded in the principle of homophily within communication theory, with the hypothesis that greater homogeneity among member states increases the likelihood of reaching an agreement on a common visa. To this end, several key economic and political indicators, along with bilateral visa-waiver agreements, were examined using a comparative-quantitative approach. The findings reveal that the SCO, owing to its relative political homogeneity and geographical contiguity, demonstrates greater capacity for a common visa arrangement. BRICS, in turn, also possesses the necessary potential for such a scheme, benefiting from relative homogeneity in certain indicators. Ultimately, the paper introduces the pilot project "SHANICS" — a joint visa initiative for the common member states, namely China, India, Russia, and Iran — as a feasible and practical first step toward the eventual realization of a broader visa integration framework.
Keramatinia, R. (2026). A Comparative Study on the Feasibility of a Common Innovative Visa for BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Iranian Diplomatic Studies, 1(3), 37–64.
MLA
Keramatinia, R. "A Comparative Study on the Feasibility of a Common Innovative Visa for BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization", Iranian Diplomatic Studies, 1, 3, 2026, 37–64.
HARVARD
Keramatinia, R. (2026). 'A Comparative Study on the Feasibility of a Common Innovative Visa for BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization', Iranian Diplomatic Studies, 1(3), pp. 37–64.
CHICAGO
Keramatinia, R., "A Comparative Study on the Feasibility of a Common Innovative Visa for BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization." Iranian Diplomatic Studies, 1 3 (2026): 37–64,
VANCOUVER
Keramatinia R. A Comparative Study on the Feasibility of a Common Innovative Visa for BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Iranian Diplomatic Studies. 2026;1(3):37–64 (In Persian).