The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs has rejected widespread claims that a previously paid state duty would not be refunded when reapplying for a five-year document due to the halt in issuing new biometric international passports. Reports from TASS and other outlets have cited officials clarifying the situation, stressing that the pause concerns the introduction of a new passport format rather than any blanket denial of refunds.
According to Irina Volk, the ministry’s official spokesperson, the suspension of accepting new applications for international passports with electronic storage media occurred for technical reasons outside the department’s control. The explanation points to the broader challenges involved in updating document infrastructure rather than a change in policy toward fees or service delivery.
Volk added that the state duty for issuing a passport with an electronic chip would be refunded if the applicant chooses not to receive related public services. In practical terms, this means applicants who decide not to proceed with additional public services linked to biometric documents could expect a reimbursement according to established rules, while the process of issuing new chips experiences a temporary pause.
Dmitry Peskov, the former press secretary to the President, indicated that the Kremlin does not view the suspension of biometric passport applications as a problem. His remarks underscore an institutional stance that the interruption is manageable and does not reflect a broader crisis in government operations.
On February 2, the Gosuslugi portal ceased accepting applications for the new passport type featuring an electronic chip. This move drew attention to the transition phase as authorities work to realign systems with the updated technical specifications.
Earlier statements from the Ministry of Industry and Trade suggested that the issuance of new passports itself was not halted. The company Mikron, which manufactures electronic components for documents, was reported to be adjusting its production processes in response to rising demand. The accompanying narrative indicates a coordinated effort across government bodies and industry to ensure a smooth rollout of the biometric passport framework while balancing technical readiness with public expectations.
Overall, the situation reflects a careful management of a modernization step in national border documents. Officials emphasize that refunds are available where applicable and that the pause is limited to specific delivery channels and technical systems. While some confusion persists among the public, the central message from authorities is one of controlled reform rather than a rejection of biometric credentials or a halt in service access. It remains essential to monitor official updates, as timelines for reintroduction of the new passport services and the process for refunds are subject to ongoing technical and administrative adjustments.