Lower-house approves use of fingerprints on identity cards, public insurance for foreigners

In reaction to new requirements from the International Civil Aviation Organization, MPs voted in favour of issuing identity cards with chips that contain the fingerprint of the owner on Tuesday. These could start being issued as early as this year.  Details specifying the gender of the holder will also have to be displayed on the ID card. Children below the age of six, as well as people who are physically unable to provide fingerprint data, will be exempt from the rule.

Furthermore, the Chamber of Deputies approved legislation that will oblige foreigners with long-term residency in Czechia to exclusively insure themselves with the country’s public insurance provider VZP. The move was justified on the grounds that doctors will have certainty that they will be reimbursed for health checks of foreigners who come to the country for work.