The issuance of biometric passports started in Crimea, their first owners were the Crimean Tatars, who are preparing for the Hajj, said Deputy Prime Minister of Crimea Ruslan Balbec.

in 2015, the arrival of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia starts on August 16 and the return ends November 12. Saudi authorities set for individual countries annual quotas for the number of pilgrims. Russian quota - 16, 4 thousand people, and among them 300 from the Crimea. When the Peninsula was part of Ukraine, its quota is not exceeded 200 people.

"Biometric passport has already received more than 150 people. The pilgrims of Crimea is the first Crimeans who received Biometric passports, " said the Balbec Last news on Tuesday.

according to his statement, up to fifteen August Biometric passport will get all 300 Muslims who go to Hajj from the Crimea." After fifteen August passport will be transferred to the residence of the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to obtain visas and 300 people in early September will be sent for pilgrimage to Hajj to the Holy places, " - said Deputy Prime Minister.

sections: Politics