Moscow to Require Biometric Digital IDs for Migrants: Mayor

Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin has announced the planned introduction of digital identification cards for migrants in Moscow starting in 2025. The project aligns with Russia’s broader migration policy, which aims to establish comprehensive “digital profiles” for foreign visitors.

The experimental program will provide these digital IDs to foreign nationals, storing detailed information, including their biometric data, arrival date, employment, residence, and registration details. Sobyanin emphasized that the police will use portable devices to scan these digital IDs, ensuring law enforcement has immediate access to relevant data about migrants, allowing for swift action if violations are detected.

According to Sobyanin, this initiative aligns with a federal law permitting biometric data collection as part of an experiment to assess its effectiveness. “Currently, a government resolution is being considered, as directed by the President, which grants us the authority to conduct this experiment in cooperation with the Federal Security Service, Border Service, Ministry of Internal Affairs, and other agencies,” he said.

The digital ID program is a key part of Russia’s ongoing efforts to enhance national security and streamline immigration processes. It also includes introducing biometric checks at Moscow’s major airports for travelers from visa-free countries, further strengthening security procedures at points of entry.

Starting December 1, 2024, Russia will conduct a pilot biometric data collection program at Moscow’s airports and a checkpoint near Kazakhstan, running until mid-2026. This first phase will focus on collecting fingerprints, facial images, and possibly voice samples from foreign visitors, while a second phase in mid-2025 will allow visitors to submit their biometric data through a mobile app. The Russian government believes that such biometric measures will strengthen national security and enable the integration of biometric IDs across various sectors.

In addition to immigration and security control, the Russian government plans to link biometric data to other activities within Russia. This data may become necessary for foreigners to perform certain tasks, such as purchasing SIM cards from local mobile operators, thereby extending the reach of biometric-based identification.

Exceptions to this biometric data collection requirement will apply to certain groups, such as citizens of Belarus, children under six, diplomats, and accredited members of international organizations, which highlights Russia’s intention to be selective while broadening its use of biometrics.

Sources: TACC, Russian Life

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October 28, 2024 – by the ID Tech Editorial Team