There is a real risk that in the coming months there will be an interruption in the reception of biometric data, which would directly prevent the issuance of ID cards, driver’s licenses and passports to citizens of BiH, confirm the Agency for Identification Documents, Records and Data Exchange of BiH (IDDEEA).
As they tell Fena, this will happen if the state budget does not provide funds and the procurement is not carried out on time.
When asked how long they can still provide services for issuing ID cards, passports and driver’s licenses, IDDEEA says that they are currently providing all legally prescribed services without interruption.
“However, the existing fingerprinting equipment is at the end of its lifespan and it is necessary to replace it in order for the process to continue without interruption. There is a real risk that in the coming months there will be an interruption in the ability to receive biometric data,” they explain in IDDEEA.
The existing fingerprinting system was installed, as they add, more than ten years ago and has been operating continuously since then.
“During that period, technology has advanced significantly, and the equipment is physically worn out and obsolete. Manufacturers no longer provide full technical support, and the availability of spare parts is limited, which further increases the risk of a complete system failure,” the agency claims
The procurement of new equipment would ensure, they add, higher precision, security and speed of data processing, in accordance with international standards.
They explain that the failure to adopt the state budget directly prevents the launch of the public procurement procedure for new fingerprinting equipment.
“If the procurement is not completed on time, the issuance of ID cards, passports and driving licenses could be suspended, which would cause serious administrative and social problems. Citizens would not be able to exercise their legal rights to identification documents, and this would also have consequences in the areas of freedom of movement, employment, health care and other public services,” the IDDEEA warns.
The budget of institutions and international obligations for 2025 has not yet been adopted. Temporary funding is in effect.
