Kyrgyzstan Launches New Biometric Passports
In 2025, Kyrgyzstan began distributing newly designed biometric passports featuring advanced security technologies. These passports are produced domestically by Uchkun, a state-owned printing company.
Modernization and Production Details
The initiative follows President Sadyr Japarov's directive to upgrade Uchkun OJSC, the open joint-stock company in charge of official document production. Since May 2024, Uchkun has manufactured biometric passports and internal ID cards domestically, leveraging enhanced technical capabilities and new equipment.
International Collaboration and Agreements
- Uchkun has exported biometric passports to Namibia.
- It also supplied ID cards to Russia.
- The company reportedly signed an agreement to produce biometric passports for Ghana, previously contracted to Hungary’s ANY Security Printing.
Design and Security Features
The 2025 passport reflects updates to the national flag and state symbols and represents a strategic move to localize the entire document production process. It incorporates over 30 security elements across three levels, including:
- Innovative holograms and kinegrams
- Ultraviolet printing
- A cryptographic chip
- Laser engraving of personal data
The upgraded passports "align with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards."
The combined efforts aim to enhance security and self-sufficiency in producing vital identification documents.
Author's Summary
Kyrgyzstan’s domestically produced 2025 biometric passports, featuring cutting-edge security elements and ICAO compliance, mark a significant step towards modernizing national document infrastructure.