You're reading: Yuschenko vetoes law obliging foreigners to submit their biometric data when applying for visa

Ukrainian President Viktor Yuschenko has resubmitted to parliament with his recommendations a bill obliging foreigners and stateless persons to submit biometric data to Ukrainian diplomatic offices when applying for a visa, the presidential press service reported on Friday.

The bill, adopted by the Ukrainian parliament on April 14, foresees obliging foreigners and stateless persons to submit biometric data while applying for a visas at diplomatic representations and consular offices of Ukraine abroad, as well as during border controls at the entrance points to Ukraine, unless otherwise provided by the laws of Ukraine.

According to the presidential press service, Yuschenko cannot sign the given law, as it will allow unsanctioned access or distribution of personal biometric data of foreigners or stateless people, thus violating their rights and negatively affecting Ukraine’s image abroad.

The possible threats are caused by the absence of legal guarantees for personal data security.

Apart from that, the bill must also be harmonized with the country’s visa policy, backed by international agreements and laws of Ukraine.

The president’s recommendations will be presented by Deputy Head of the Presidential Secretariat and Presidential Representative in Parliament Ihor Popov.