Moscow to Launch Electronic Passports for Immigrants

Moskova Mayor Sergey Sobyanin announced that the experimental implementation of electronic passports for migrants will begin in Moscow in 2025. Sobyanin said that this new application will increase security measures in the city and help to detect crimes more quickly. The electronic passports will contain migrants' biometric data, place of work and address of residence. Security forces will be able to quickly verify the legal status of migrants by reading these passports during checks.

Contents and Advantages of Electronic Passports

Electronic passports will include not only the identity information of migrants, but also critical data such as their workplace and residence addresses. The migrants' biometric data will be supported by information such as facial photographs and fingerprints. This will provide a great advantage to security forces in terms of solving crimes faster and checking the legal status of migrants. In addition, the use of fake IDs and documents will be reduced thanks to the digital format, thus strengthening the city's security infrastructure.

Biometric Controls Are Coming to Moscow Airports

According to information reported by RBC, biometric control will be mandatory for all foreign passengers arriving at Moscow airports from 2025. This practice, visa free will ensure that the fingerprints and facial photographs of all foreigners, especially those who arrive, are recorded. This will make it easier to track people entering the country and to intervene quickly in possible criminal cases. Sobyanin noted that biometric registration is an important step for both security and the smoother progress of immigration processes.

Discussions on Tightening Immigration Laws After Attack

This new regulation came to the fore after the tragic attack at Crocus City Hall in Moscow in March 2024, which killed 145 people. Following the attack, discussions began to increase security screening and tracking of migrants with biometric data. The fact that four of the 18 people detained as part of the investigation were Tajikistani citizens increased public pressure to tighten immigration laws. The tightening of control and supervision of migrants following this incident led to a reconsideration of security measures in Moscow.

Special Deportation Regime for Immigrants

As of 2025, a special deportation regime will be introduced for migrants who commit crimes or violate residency rules in Russia. Under this regime, migrants who engage in illegal activities or violate rules will be deprived of certain basic rights. For example, they will lose important rights such as owning property, driving vehicles and getting loans from banks. This practice aims to limit the chances of foreigners who commit crimes to return or stay in the country, while also creating a deterrent for other migrants.

The Future of Electronic Passports and Biometric Controls

With these new regulations, Moscow is becoming a city that is taking technological steps in tracking and ensuring the security of migrants. Electronic passports and biometric controls will increase the traceability of migrants and will be an effective tool in the fight against crime. This system, which will be implemented in 2025, aims to provide a safe city environment for both Russian citizens and migrants. These methods, supported by technological advances, will ensure that migrant policies are implemented in a more efficient and controlled manner.