Armenia entering decisive phase in issuing new biometric documents  for stateless persons

ArmInfo.  The Migration and Citizenship Service of the RA Ministry of Internal Affairs reports that the modernization of Armenia's identification system is  reaching its final stages. Nelly Davtyan, Head of the Migration and  Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA),  recently conducted a working visit to Ostrava, Czech Republic, to  oversee the production of the nation's new biometric documents.

The visit centered on the IN Groupe production facility, where the  first specimens of high-security polycarbonate documents are  currently being printed and finalized. Nelly Davtyan met with  production manager Stanislav Pospisek, the developers of the  biometric system implementation program in Armenia, and printing  specialists.

What changes does this bring to the system, and what opportunities  does it open up for citizens and foreigners?  

Nelly Davtyan clarifies: "The upcoming rollout prioritizes groups  that have historically lacked unified, practical identification  solutions within Armenia. The new system introduces:  Stateless  Persons & Refugees: A new ID card designed for internal use. This  allows individuals to verify their identity within Armenia without  needing a full travel document or passport if they do not intend to  cross borders.  Foreign Diplomats: A dedicated biometric document for  personnel of foreign diplomatic missions stationed in Armenia.   Armenian Citizens: The visit also finalized the design of the new  biometric passport, covering everything from the cover and data pages  to the visa sections."

Davtyan emphasized that the transition to these new documents is not  merely aesthetic but a complete security overhaul as the documents  are made from durable polycarbonate, meeting the highest  international ICAO standards. Also, each element undergoes rigorous  laboratory testing, including UV protection and specialized tinting,  reducing the risk of identity theft to near zero.  Plans include a  "one-stop-shop" or "all- in-one" self-service system to streamline  the application process for citizens.

What changes are planned for citizens, how simple and accessible will  the process be, and what new approach will be implemented in the  document provision system? 

 Davtyan clarified that while a private partner handles the technical  production, the Armenian government retains exclusive authority over  legal status.  "Even though the front-facing process may take only  minutes, there are distinct verification mechanisms working behind  the scenes," Davtyan noted. No biometric data can be collected or  documents issued by private partners without a "green light" from the  MIA.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs also noted that the approval process  is multi-stage and strictly controlled.  Every element undergoes  laboratory testing, from tinting to UV protection. This mechanism  guarantees consistent quality not only today but also for the next  ten years.