[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text dp_text_size=”size-4″]In a significant development, the Russian government has announced a relaxation in citizenship application rules for women who wear hijabs, offering a major relief to the faithful.
Effective from May 5th, the authorities will permit the use of headscarves and hijabs in passport photographs, as revealed by the Russian Interior Ministry. The new regulation allows individuals whose religious beliefs necessitate head coverings to provide photographs with non-concealing head coverings that do not obscure the face’s oval shape.
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However, images featuring scarves that fully or partially conceal the chin will not be accepted. While Russian citizens have long been allowed to use hijab-clad photographs for various documents, including passports, driver’s licenses, and work permits, this relaxation now extends to individuals of other nationalities as well.
Biysultan Khamzaev, a member of the State Duma Security and Anti-Corruption Committee, emphasized that the move aims to respect religious traditions while also ensuring state security by facilitating identification through video monitoring systems.
Historically, during the Soviet era, passport photographs were devoid of headscarves or hijabs. The change began after the dissolution of the USSR in 1991, with Muslim women subsequently utilizing hijab-clad photographs until a ban was imposed in 1997. However, this ban was later deemed unlawful by the Russian Supreme Court in 2003.
This latest development is welcomed by practicing Muslims, who have long advocated for such accommodations, marking a significant step forward in religious freedom within Russia.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
