Problems in the biometric data collection system resolved – regular visa issuance and asylum seeker registration process resumed

(Patria) - Employees of the Information and Communication Technology Sector of the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina, after several days of intensive efforts, have successfully resolved the technical problems that appeared in the system for biometric identification of foreigners.

Due to the aforementioned difficulties, the issuance of visas and residence permits for foreign nationals, as well as the process of collecting biometric data from persons seeking international protection in Bosnia and Herzegovina, had been suspended in previous weeks.

Circumstances beyond the control of the Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina led to a situation where the system for biometric identification of foreigners, procured under the state IPA 2017 programme, was put into production only on 1 October 2025, although the warranty period for the system expired on 31 July 2025. Additionally, due to the failure to adopt the Budget of the Institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina for 2026, the Ministry of Security of BiH was unable to contract regular maintenance of this system.

Despite the aforementioned circumstances, experts from the Ministry of Security of BiH carried out a series of technical interventions and tests and successfully eliminated the observed problems. The system is again fully functional, thereby creating conditions for the uninterrupted continuation of visa issuance and the implementation of all procedures requiring the collection of biometric data.

The Ministry of Security of Bosnia and Herzegovina thanks all competent institutions and officials who participated in resolving this problem, as well as citizens and foreign nationals for their understanding and patience during the period of hampered system operation.

The Ministry will continue activities aimed at improving and maintaining information systems in order to ensure continuity of service provision, increase the efficiency of procedures, and further enhance the security and reliability of migration management and visa issuance processes.