Russia Resumes Issuance of Biometric Foreign Passports

Russia has resumed the issuance of biometric foreign passports, reports the Baza Telegram channel.

It is noted that the printing of international passports has resumed in standard mode; however, due to a backlog of applications, the processing time may be extended.

Applications for biometric foreign passports were suspended on February 2, as it was reported that the Mikron factory was unable to meet the demand for required chips.

Previously, the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs denied rumors that due to the suspension of the issuance of new types of international passports, the state duty paid for a document valid for five years would not be refunded when reapplying.

According to Irina Volk, the official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation, the suspension of new applications for international passports with electronic carriers occurred due to technical reasons beyond the agency's control.

Volk mentioned that the state fee for issuing a passport with an electronic chip would be refunded if the applicant renounces public services.