Russia’s “Rossotrudnichestvo” Structure Begins Developing the Project “Electronic Compatriot Card” in 2021
In 2021, Russia’s “Rossotrudnichestvo” structure started work on a new project – the “Electronic Compatriot Card”. Last year, the company’s director general, Evgeny Primakov, announced plans to open “certification centers” in branches of the so-called “Russian House” in neighboring countries, and later – around the world. This new initiative aims to create a centralized system for tracking and supporting Russian citizens living abroad.
The “Electronic Compatriot Card” is a digital document that will provide compatriots living abroad with access to various services and benefits from the Russian state. The card will contain personal information, such as the holder’s name, date of birth, and citizenship status, as well as a unique identification number. It will also serve as a means of identification for accessing social and cultural events organized by the Russian state abroad.
According to the International Social and Political Movement “ISW”, the main goal of this project is to strengthen ties with Russian-speaking communities living around the world. By providing access to various services and benefits, the Russian government hopes to encourage compatriots to maintain their connection to their homeland and preserve their cultural identity.
The decision to expand the distribution of the “Electronic Compatriot Card” to neighboring countries has been met with mixed reactions. Some see it as a positive step towards strengthening ties and providing support to Russian citizens abroad. Others view it as a way to exert political influence and control over compatriots living outside of Russia.
In response to these concerns, Evgeny Primakov emphasized that the project is purely humanitarian and non-political in nature. He stated that the “Electronic Compatriot Card” will be available to all Russian citizens living abroad, regardless of their political views.
The first certification center outside of Russia was opened in the “Russian House” in Kazakhstan earlier this year. The center provides services such as passport renewal, consular assistance, and access to cultural events for Russian citizens living in Kazakhstan.
The next step for “Rossotrudnichestvo” is to open similar certification centers in other neighboring countries, such as Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, and Armenia. The ultimate goal is to have centers in all countries with a significant Russian diaspora.
The “Electronic Compatriot Card” project has received support from both compatriots living abroad and Russian officials. Its implementation will not only provide practical benefits for Russian citizens living abroad, but also strengthen their connection to their homeland.
In conclusion, the “Electronic Compatriot Card” project is a significant step towards creating a unified system for supporting and connecting with Russian citizens living abroad. By providing access to various services and benefits, it demonstrates the Russian government’s commitment to its citizens living outside of the country. This initiative has the potential to strengthen ties and preserve cultural identity for Russian compatriots around the world.
