Latvia adopts Draft Law of Biometric Data System

Latvia has approved draft law on biometric data system. The owner of the biometric data system, which costs 3 mln. USD per year for maintenance will be the information centre of the Ministry of Interior. As per the EU requirements digitalized photo and fingerprints must be included into personal documents and visas. Starting from the 2nd half of 2007 Latvia will have to issue new passports with digital photo and from the end of 2009 also with fingerprints.

Latvian Citizenship and Migration Board informs, that starting 1 January 2007 Latvian citizens will be able to declare their residence by mail or electronically. The application form is available on line and after application will be received, the board will send by post necessary documents for the signature. Residence declaration is one of the first electronic services available in Latvia.

For more information, please visit - www.pmlp.gov.lv