8 May 2024: In a noteworthy announcement, the Russian government has sanctioned the wearing of headscarves or hijabs in passport photographs, as disclosed by the Russian Interior Ministry.
Effective from Sunday, May 5, the new law aims to respect religious beliefs while ensuring national security. According to Russia Today, individuals can now have their photos taken wearing head coverings, provided they don’t excessively obscure their face, excluding those with chin coverage.
This change applies to various official documents, including passport applications, driver’s licenses, work permits, and patents. Biysultan Khamzaev, a member of the State Duma Security and Anti-Corruption Committee, highlighted the legislation’s dual objective of preserving religious traditions and safeguarding state security.
The prohibition on headscarves in passport photos dates back to the Soviet era but was relaxed post-1991. However, a ban was enforced in 1997, only to be overturned by the Russian Supreme Court in 2003, ultimately leading to the current amendment.
