Global: Kyrgyzstan President Highlights Enhanced Security Features of New Passport and ID Cards

President Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan has assured citizens that the country’s new generation biometric national ID cards and passports are equipped with advanced security features, making them significantly less vulnerable to forgery.

In a message posted on his official Facebook account, President Japarov acknowledged the persistent issues with counterfeit ID cards and passports but emphasized that these concerns will soon be addressed. The introduction of the new biometric documents is part of a broader effort to enhance national security and integrity.

Starting July 1, Kyrgyzstan will initiate a nationwide process for the free replacement of national ID cards, which includes updating the national identity database. President Japarov addressed past rumors about Kyrgyzstani ID cards and passports being sold to foreigners, affirming that such practices will be eliminated with the new biometric documents. “In the future, there will be no concept of a fake ID card or passport,” he stated. The country first introduced its biometric passport in 2021.

Highlighting the security of the new IDs, President Japarov said, “It is impossible to forge them as they contain many hidden security features.” He also mentioned that stringent measures are in place to prevent the unauthorized sale of personal identification documents.

The replacement initiative, running until August 31, allows citizens with invalid ID cards to obtain new ones. The president noted that the government is still seeking funds to facilitate the replacement of passports for general civil servants.

The government has issued approximately 4.8 million ID cards between 2004 and 2017, with those issued from 2017 still considered valid. The campaign to exchange the older generation of ID cards from the AN series is spearheaded by the Ministry of Digital Development of the Kyrgyz Republic. The ministry’s website explains that the outdated identity documents being phased out do not meet modern safety and security standards as they lack biometric features. This replacement effort also covers expired, damaged, or lost cards.