Russian passport and driver's license issuance offices in the self-proclaimed Republic of Abkhazia are being suspended. The decision was made by the Russian Embassy in Sukhumi following statements from Abkhaz parliamentarians questioning the legality of these offices.
Moscow emphasizes its respect for Abkhazia's sovereignty and announces that the issuance of documents will be transferred to Russia. The offices were opened in January 2026, and driver's license offices have been operating since 2025.
On February 4, at a closed meeting of the Abkhazia Defense and National Security Committee, deputies expressed bewilderment over the issuance of passports and driver's licenses from another country, calling on the Ministry of Internal Affairs to close the offices, although the parliamentary press service stated that no decisions had been made.
Most residents of Abkhazia hold dual citizenship. It is noted that in 2025, Russian President Vladimir Putin simplified the process of obtaining Russian citizenship and issuing passports/licenses to citizens of Abkhazia until 2028 and 2026, respectively.
