The Deputy Head of the President's Office of the Kyrgyz Republic, Almaz Raimbekov, presented a report. He noted that according to current regulations, both parents' consent is required to obtain a passport. However, difficulties often arise, leading to the proposal to allow a passport to be issued based on the application of one parent.
Raimbekov explained that complications may occur if one parent is abroad, does not participate in raising the child, or if there are disputes between them. This creates barriers for the child, for example, when participating in international competitions or receiving medical assistance.
Deputy Zhyldyz Sadyrbaeva inquired whether the requirement for both parents' consent remains in place when traveling abroad. As Raimbekov noted, this condition remains unchanged. She expressed the opinion that the proposed changes are only a partial solution to the problem.
Thus, while the child will be able to obtain a passport, traveling abroad will remain impossible without the consent of the other parent. What is the point of this passport if the child cannot participate in the Olympics or go on vacation? Why pass this law?She added that the issue must be definitively resolved so that children can travel with the permission of only one parent. Otherwise, the passport will simply remain unused.
Raimbekov emphasized that a foreign passport is necessary for access to medical services and other vital services.
Sadyrbaeva noted that in the country, a birth certificate and ID passport are sufficient, and that the proposed changes do not fully address the problem.
Deputy Yrysbek Atazhanov agreed on the necessity of amendments but also stressed that the issues raised by Sadyrbaeva require deeper analysis.
Cholpon Esenamanova suggested including a provision in the bill that excludes the requirement for both parents' consent for travel. Raimbekov responded that lawyers have studied this issue, but it could raise concerns regarding the child's safety and the rights of the other parent.
Deputy Gulya Kozhokulova called for representatives from the Ministry of Justice to speak, but they did not attend the committee meeting.
Kozhokulova noted that the Ministry of Justice should have provided clear answers to the questions raised. On one hand, we are easing the process of obtaining a passport, but the requirements for travel remain the same.
After a lengthy discussion, the committee approved the bill in the first reading.
