New Belarus passport samples coming soon – opposition leader

November 1, Pozirk. The first New Belarus passport samples will be printed soon, Belarusian opposition leader Śviatłana Cichanoŭskaja has announced in her social media accounts.

Her office is procuring printing supplies and is seeking the recognition of the alternative Belarusian ID by foreign governments, she added.

A separate office would be in charge of accepting applications, issuing new Belarus passports and ensuring security during all steps in the process, Cichanoŭskaja stressed.

However, the new ID would not abolish visa or residence permit requirements in foreign countries where Belarusians are staying, she added.

Printing and recognition are a highly complicated process, the politician noted.

“We are the first to go down this path not only in our country but also in the world,” she said. “Our team is developing many technical and legal mechanisms from scratch. I really hope for your patience and support.”

In early September, Alaksandar Łukašenka signed Edict No 278 banning Belarusian embassies and consulates from issuing passports and providing notary services to Belarusians.

The Belarusian opposition, the European Union, the United States and human rights groups criticized the edict as a violation of the exiled Belarusians’ rights. The opposition’s new passport project would help thousands who have fled the country for safety reasons and cannot renew their Belarusian IDs.