DISINFO: Ukrainian biometric passports were introduced to "cut off" residents of uncontrolled territories
SUMMARY
Ukrainian biometric passports were introduced under Petro Poroshenko in 2017, to “cut off” the residents of uncontrolled territories.
RESPONSE
This case is consistent with recurring disinformation narratives about Ukrainian statehood and human rights violations in Ukraine primarily targeting those living in the east. The claim that biometric passports were introduced as a punitive measure against residents in eastern Ukraine is unsupported by any evidence. As stated by the State Migration Service of Ukraine, biometric documents are well protected from forgery and exclude the possibility of their use by any person other than the owner. The main idea behind the implementation is to significantly increase the security of society against crime and international terrorism. The rules for issuing biometric documents (passport for travelling abroad and an ID passport) are the same for all citizens of Ukraine and are approved by resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on March 25, 2015 №302 (for the ID passport) and May 7, 2014 №152 (for the passport for traveling abroad). According to the Law of Ukraine, from July 14, 2016 No. 1474-VIII "On Amending Certain Legislative Acts of Ukraine Concerning Documents Confirming Citizenship of Ukraine, Identifying Persons or Their Special Status", aimed at Visa Liberalisation with the European Union, the issuance of passports in the form of cards was introduced to all citizens from October 1, 2016. On 20 April 2016, the European Commission presented a proposal to allow visa-free travel to the Schengen area for Ukrainian citizens. As of June 2017 Ukrainians with biometric passports have been able to travel visa-free to the Schengen areas.