Tashkent, Sept. 23 -- President Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a decree "On measures to introduce ID cards in the Republic of Uzbekistan".

According to the document, starting from January 1, 2021, Uzbekistan will introduce a unified identity identification system, which provides for the gradual replacement of biometric passports with ID cards with an electronic data carrier (chip). This will also allow citizens to use public services.

It is expected that ID cards will be valid only on the territory of Uzbekistan. To travel outside the country, citizens need to have a foreign passport.

From January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022, ID cards will be issued voluntarily to persons who have reached the age of 16, as well as if they lose their passpo...