Russia Lifts 27-Year Ban, Muslims Receive Major Gift: Know What Was the Ban on?

Russia gift to Muslims: Russia has given a big gift to Muslims. Taking an important step, the government there has approved photos with headscarves in the passport. That is, now women there will have the right to use photos with headscarves or hijab in their passports. News website ‘The Siasat Daily’ has given this information quoting the Russian Home Ministry. This law will come into force in the country from Sunday (May 5, 2024) and will also respect religious beliefs while maintaining national security. 

According to the report of local media organization ‘Russia Today’, Muslim women are not able to cover their faces much due to the passport photo. In such a situation, under the new law, they will be allowed to use photos with their heads covered for passport. However, during this time they will not be able to use photos with their chins covered.  

What things will this change affect in Russia?

This change is related to passport applications, driving licenses, work permits and patents etc. State Duma Security and Anti-Corruption Committee member Biysultan Khamzaev told the ‘Russian Parliamentary Gazette’ that this decision of the Russian government respects the country’s security as well as religious beliefs. 

Banned in 1997, then declared illegal in 2003

During the Soviet Union (formerly Russia), women were not allowed to use photos with head scarves in their passports. However, after 1991, Muslim women started using such photos, after which it was banned in 1997 and later in 2003, the Supreme Court of Russia declared it illegal. In such a recent move, the Russian government has lifted the ban after 27 years.