After the introduction of biometric documents, Belarusians may be able to have two passports.
“We have analyzed the international experience and developed an approach which may be more convenient and practical: the citizens of Belarus will be issued two completely identical passports. The first one can be used for travelling, and the second one may be left at the embassy waiting for the visas,” said representative of the Department of Citizenship and Migration of the Ministry of Interior Pavel Hryshchanovich.
He also spoke in detail about the new documents — identification card and biometric passports. The ID card will replace some of the functions of today’s passports.
“The new biometric passport will be used only for going abroad. In Belarus, it will be null and void — this role will pass to the ID card,” said Hryshchanovich.
ID cards will also be issued to foreign residents living in Belarus, as well as stateless persons. The passport and ID card will be issued to every person reaching the age of 14.
The introduction of biometric documents is planned for January 2019. ID cards will cost a base value (currently 23 BYN). The passport will cost 3 basic values. The procedure for obtaining a biometric passport will be optional, citizens will be able to use the old document along with the ID-card. The electronic chip of the new passport will have personal data of the citizen. In particular, it will have a photo, electronic signature, and fingerprints.
belsat.eu, BelTA
