Police Clarification on the Organization of Passport Service Operations

Today, in the National Assembly, MP Edgar Arakelyan raised several accusations regarding the organization of passport service operations.

In this context, the Police of Armenia provides clarification:

1. Regarding Copying Issues.

The Chief of the Police of Armenia has issued an instruction to regulate the issue. This is being implemented in two phases. Although the organization recognized as the winner of the competition was to supply copying equipment later as per the contract, negotiations have resulted in an earlier delivery (by May 15) to the Passport and Visa Department. The passport services in Yerevan have been equipped with copying devices. Other necessary materials will also be provided within a very short period, and from June 3, in the initial phase, the passport services in Yerevan will have the ability to make copies.

A draft decision has also been circulated regarding the reallocation of off-budget funds by the government of Armenia, which, upon approval, will allow the acquisition of more durable copying equipment with the saved funds, to be distributed to all passport services (62 in total), including those in Yerevan.

As a long-term and sustainable solution (which will not require additional expenses later), the technical specifications in the bidding documents for the acquisition of biometric passports and identification cards have provided for the possibility of scanning and electronically storing documents submitted by citizens.

2. Regarding Queues.

It is important to note that due to the vacation season, there is an unprecedented increase in the number of citizens applying for passport services from May to August. Additionally, during these months, there is a sharp increase in the number of applications for enrollment certificates for schools and kindergartens, and this year, due to the introduction of a new system, for obtaining public service license plates.

However, for the Police of Armenia, the issue of queue management is a matter of strategic importance. Currently, a draft government decision is in circulation, which plans to install queue management systems in 35 passport service locations. Moreover, upon the adoption of the government decision, the state budget of Armenia will save 60 million drams. According to the relevant investment program, no service payment will be allocated to the commercial organization over the course of six years.

In addition to this measure, refund devices will be installed at all passport services, stemming from the anti-corruption strategic measures program. Furthermore, it is planned to reduce the on-site service fee from 300 drams to 100 drams and to install cashless payment terminals on-site.

3. Regarding Citizens’ Awareness.

Through the operating