The National Assembly’s extraordinary session adopted in full the second reading and the package of draft laws “On Identity Document” and related laws submitted by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Arpine Sargsyan. Arpine Sargsyan noted that the draft pursues several goals: introducing a new biometric system in the Republic of Armenia and ensuring proper legal procedures. “In a broad context, this is another step towards bringing the Republic of Armenia closer to visa liberalization with the EU,” emphasized Minister Sargsyan.
The Minister of Internal Affairs noted that the European Union has received the first report on the progress of the Visa Liberalization Action Plan, which specifically emphasizes the Law “On Identity Document” and should aim to systematically organize all necessary procedures for the introduction of the biometric system.
The package of projects proposes making it mandatory for persons aged 16 or older to have an identification card. For persons aged 6 to 16, the voluntary issuance of an identification card is envisaged, and for those under 6, the birth certificate will serve as an identity document.
“Currently, the card is provided only to persons over 16. I believe that this flexible policy of the government will allow us to have a much more institutional structural solution in the field of public services and, in general, in the field of identity documents,” noted Arpine Sargsyan.
The Minister stated that, under this law, all travel documents will comply with the ICAO 9303 standard of the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Arpine Sargsyan also emphasized that all documents intended for foreigners must contain biometric data and clarified that, although the legislation provided for this, no operational steps had been taken in this regard.
The next important change, according to the Minister, is that, for the first time, a large-scale solution is being provided for the republic in the form of a state-private partnership, and, naturally, the legislation must also provide proper procedures for the proper implementation of the distribution of roles. “I want to emphasize once again that the state retains its full right to make decisions, the private sector cannot take any action, inaction, or any other step that will have factual consequences for our citizens,” the Minister said.
In closing, the Minister of Internal Affairs said that this law and the biometric system will also support the Government of the Republic of Armenia’s digitalization policy.
“Very often, we consider different solutions, but they sometimes slow down, or it is not possible to implement them quickly and fully, because the Republic of Armenia does not have a biometric system, and we have been relying on a system that has not had any investment for years. “I believe that by the fall of 2026, we will record a completely new situation in the Republic of Armenia, and the pace of digitalization will accelerate even more,” Arpine Sargsyan emphasized during the NA session.
Minister of Internal Affairs Arpine Sargsyan also answered questions from deputies.
