OP has proposed to remove the prints from the EU and US citizens when entering Russia – RBC

Photo: Mikhail Pochuev / TASS

In public Chamber suggested to Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev initiate the introduction of fingerprinting for EU and US citizens when entering Russia. The OP reminded that fingerprinting is required to obtain visas for these countries

Chairman of the Public Chamber’s Commission on Public Diplomacy, Development and support of compatriots abroad Sutormina Elena appealed to Interior Minister Vladimir Kolokoltsev with a request to initiate the introduction of fingerprinting procedure for entering Russian inhabitants of the countries of the European Union and the United states. With this appeal familiarized newspaper “Izvestia».

In a letter Kolokoltsov Sutormina referred to the situation in the European Union, stating that “along with the civilians, who are literally running away from the war, the EU penetrate militants and professional recruiters . “It is possible that the various forces in the future will try to implement in their agents Russia from the territory of the EU”, – she explained

In addition, Sutormina reminded that the US and the EU have already introduced fingerprinting procedure upon receipt. their visas. “In our view introduce fingerprinting – it is absolutely adequate retaliation. Besides, according to our information, the Russians began to refuse to obtain “Schengen”, – said the head of the commission OP

The author appeals to the Interior Minister admitted that the introduction of procedures may adversely affect the flow of foreign tourists.. Sutormina also noted that some tourists and what they say about the difficulties in completing the questionnaire and provide documents for visas. In this regard, she said that the possible introduction of fingerprinting should be “serious consideration».

Now the Public Chamber preparing hearings on this issue. They plan to invite as members of specialized agencies and non-governmental organizations and independent experts. At the hearing, in particular, will be discussed, for the residents of some countries need to introduce fingerprinting. Kolokoltseva asked to take a personal part in this event, or send him an official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

A member of the State Duma Committee on Foreign Affairs, Alexander Babakov, commenting on the initiative, noted that “if in respect of our citizens in obtaining visas entered its kind procedure, it is logical to assume that we, too, have the right to distribute it and to our partners. ” “This makes sense because of such” sanctions “are not purely political motives and issues related to security,” -. Said the representative of «United Russia»

As RBC wrote in late March, a mandatory fingerprinting foreigners entering Russia, are the capital of FMS management, Interior Ministry and the FSSP. In favor of the initiative also called the Moscow City Court. On plans to introduce fingerprints when issuing visas to Europeans in the middle of last August said the head of the Federal Tourism Agency Oleg Safonov, while he spoke against the measure.

From the 14th of September last year to obtain a Schengen visa Russians have to be fingerprinted. This is due to the fact that Russia connected to the EU Visa Information System. Donating prints owe everything except children under 12, people with disabilities, whose fingerprints can not be taken physically, as well as high-ranking officials in the case, if they visit the Schengen countries for official purposes.

March 18, the State Duma rejected in the first reading a bill on fingerprinting, prepared by the leader of “Fair Russia” Sergei Mironov. The Committee on Constitutional Legislation and State Construction said that “the introduction of fingerprinting is associated with” unjustified financial expenses. ”