Muslim women who come to Russia to work have received permission from
the Russian government to wear hijabs, traditional veils that cover the
head but leave the face uncovered, when having their photos taken for
identification papers.
"The order says that it's allowed to take photographs of persons wearing
head attire that doesn't cover the face of people whose religious
convictions prevent them from having their head uncovered in the
presence of strangers. Photographing in overcoats or scarves covering up
part of the chin is not allowed," Federal Migration Service spokeswoman
Zalina Kornilova told Interfax on Friday, citing an order by FMS head Konstantin Romodanovsky that has been in force since January 1.
"These are the same criteria as those for photographs for Russian Federation passports," she said.
"Freedom of worship is guaranteed by the Constitution of the Russian
Federation and international treaties on human rights," Kornilova said,
adding that in 2003 the Russian Supreme Court satisfied appeals against
an Interior Ministry ban on official photos showing people with their
heads covered.
The order sets new rules on photographing and fingerprinting for
foreigners seeking work or applying for the registration of patents in
Russia.