The document said that biometric passports will be introduced in several stages and the government will create special body, which will gather information on passport holders.

The decree said employees of ministries and state bodies of Uzbekistan and individuals, traveling abroad, as well as citizens, who are receiving new passports, will get biometric passports in the first stage (in 2010).

All citizens of Uzbekistan will receive new passports in the second stage (2010-2015).

The document also included measures on creating necessary infrastructure for issuing biometric passports and storing biometric information of citizens.

The biometric passport is a combined paper and electronic identity document that uses biometrics to authenticate the identity of travelers.

It uses contactless smart card technology, including a microprocessor chip (computer chip) and antenna (for both power to the chip and communication) embedded in the front or back cover, or centre page, of the passport.

The decree said biometric passports are introduced in line with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). ICAO entrusted member states to introduce biometric passports till 2010.