Armenia is progressing with its biometric passport and ID card initiative, planning to deliver these documents by 2026. The bidding process involves three qualified contenders, with the government advocating for a public-private partnership. Key dates for proposal reviews and applicant submissions have been established, and the new system is designed to enhance efficiency at airports and government offices by modernizing outdated processes.
Armenia is advancing its initiative to issue new biometric passports and identification cards to its citizens by 2026. The government recently announced that three candidates successfully passed the initial round of the tender process, with plans to move forward to the second phase of evaluation. Among these bidders, one operates independently while the other two have formed a consortium. This project will be executed as a public-private partnership, following five months of negotiations regarding the tender conditions led by Arpine Sargsyan, the Armenian Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs. The evaluation committee aims to finalize the proposal specifications by October 8, with public disclosure scheduled for October 10. Following this announcement, participants will be able to submit their applications until January 10, 2025, and the commission will evaluate submissions starting January 11. A decision regarding the winning bid is expected by the end of March 2025. These new biometric documents are anticipated to streamline airport processing times and facilitate the use of e-gates for Armenian citizens. Efforts are also underway to minimize the wait times for obtaining these biometric documents in government offices. Nelly Davtyan, the deputy head of the Migration and Citizenship Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, pointed out that the current infrastructure for issuing identification cards is outdated and frequently problematic. The new system aims to address these systemic issues. Additionally, Armen Ghazaryan, head of the Migration Service, highlighted the long-standing neglect of investment in the country’s passport system, stating that its sustainability has relied on the commitment of its employees amidst minimal financial input.
The initiative for biometric passports and ID cards in Armenia represents a significant modernization effort aimed at improving the efficiency and security of identification systems within the country. Biometric passports typically include enhanced security features such as embedded microchips that store biometric data, making them more secure against forgery and identity theft. The introduction of such documents could significantly enhance the user experience at airports by expediting processing through automated systems like e-gates. This system requires significant investment and modernization of existing infrastructure, which has reportedly been underfunded and outdated for years. The public-private partnership model signifies a collaborative effort that may draw in private expertise and investment to develop the biometric systems more effectively.
Armenia is on the path to revamping its passport and ID card system to include biometrics, enhancing security and efficiency for citizens. With tender processes underway, the aim is to complete the project by 2026. The shift to biometric documents promises quicker airport processing and reduced wait times at government facilities. However, it underscores a broader need for investment in national infrastructure, as highlighted by officials addressing the current challenges within the existing system.
Original Source: www.biometricupdate.com
