Interior Minister: Armenia is in  final stages of introducing  biometric passports

ArmInfo.During a meeting with a delegation led by Dunia El Hasnaou, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of HayPass and member of the Executive Committee of IN Groupe, Armenian Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan announced that the introduction of biometric passports in the country is nearing completion, and their mass printing will be approved soon.

 As the press service of the Armenian Ministry of Internal Affairs  noted in this regard, this process is a logical continuation of the  agreement signed between the Ministry and HayPass CJSC in April 2025  on the development and implementation of a modern national  identification and biometric data management infrastructure in the  country. According to the source, the printing of identification  cards has also begun in order to implement the agreement. A  comprehensive roadmap for the implementation of the biometric system  has been presented, which implies institutional reforms in successive  stages.

Highly appreciating the established trusting and constructive  partnership, the Minister emphasized the importance of the successful  and timely implementation of the outlined programs, which will serve  as a solid foundation for the further expansion of cooperation.

The parties discussed the project launch schedule and agreed on the  initial stage of the process will includes launching a data center in  accordance with the international eIDAS standard, software for  managing applications for identification of documents, and a  pre-registration platform for citizens. The project will start with  the launch of offices equipped with innovative solutions by the  private sector throughout the country, two  of which will be in busy  shopping centers in Yerevan. The parties reaffirmed their joint  commitment to setting a new high standard in biometric document  production and citizen experience. The number of offices will  gradually to 23 after the launch of the project. Design conceptual  solutions for the offices were discussed separately. The standards  outlined in the contract will be strictly observed, including  children's playrooms in large centers, comfortable waiting rooms,  maximum waiting time and service limits, and the installation of  all-in-one self-service devices.

Minister Sargsyan emphasized the importance of maintaining the  established schedule along with high quality standards. She noted  that the Ministry of Internal Affairs is committed to meeting the  agreed-upon deadlines by the second half of the current year, while  also ensuring strict adherence to quality standards, without  compromising one for the other.

It was emphasized that the printing of identification cards has  already begun. The work related to the passport is in the  finalization stage, and mass printing of passports will also be  approved in the near future.  The parties  discussed the use of  biometric passports in various possible scenarios, and the imperative  of their interoperability with the latest border management  solutions. The introduction of a biometric system that meets European  standards will a be an important step in  the visa liberalization  process.