Russia to start fingerprinting foreign visitors in July

Russia is planning to introduce mandatory fingerprinting for all foreigners applying for visas to the country. Under the terms of a draft presidential decree posted online Thursday, the Foreign Ministry will launch a pilot project in July to test the necessary equipment and procedures. The project envisions fingerprinting of foreigners at Russian embassies and consulates in the United Kingdom, Denmark, Myanmar and Namibia, as well as at Vnukovo international airport in Moscow. An explanatory note on the draft decree says the measure will facilitate efforts to curb illegal migration and prevent suspected terrorists from entering the country. The decree is designed to allow Russian authorities to respond promptly to the introduction of mandatory fingerprinting of Russian visitors by the European Union in 2015.