New inform on Digitalisation of identity documents and residence permits issued to third-country nationals

EMN has just published new inform on Digitalisation of identity documents and residence permits issued to third-country nationals.

The majority of EMN Member and Observer Countries, as well as Georgia and Ukraine, currently issue physical residence permits, incorporating biometric data and electronic elements. Notably, Italy, Lithuania, and Poland have started issuing digital-only residence permits and identity documents.

The inform sheds light on the motivations behind adopting digital-only documents in certain EMN Member and Observer Countries, where high numbers of arrivals and applications for residence stemming from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine prompted a shift towards digital solutions. 

The advantages cited include enhanced security, resource savings, and streamlined procedures. However, the inform also underscores particular concerns surrounding digital-only documents, emphasising the importance of addressing issues related to digital literacy, potential fraud, and the need for interoperability during border checks. One of the aspects that the reporting EMN Members and Observer Countries emphasised was the importance of ensuring that vulnerable populations are not left behind and highlights the necessity for fallback solutions and common EU standards if digital-only documents are to be widely adopted.

To see the full inform click this link .