Azerbaijan is set to modernize its migration management system by digitizing administrative procedures for extending the temporary stay of foreign nationals and stateless persons. This initiative, aimed at improving the regulatory framework, was discussed during a recent session of the Milli Majlis (National Assembly) Committee on Legal Policy and State Building.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the proposed changes involve amendments to the Migration Code, as well as the laws "On Registration at the Place of Residence and Stay" and "On State Duty." These legislative updates are designed to enhance the efficiency of migration services through digital integration.
Under the new regulations, once the state duty is paid, the decision regarding the extension of stay will be uploaded to the applicant's personal cabinet within the E-Government Information System and simultaneously sent to their registered email address. The process will also include formalizing decisions with electronic signatures and clarifying the legal basis for digital services. Furthermore, the amendments introduce an additional ground for refusing an extension: failure to submit one or more documents required under Article 41.1 of the Migration Code.
The draft law also stipulates that no additional state duty will be charged for the re-issuance of a decision regarding the extension of a temporary stay. For existing decisions issued prior to the law's entry into force, they will remain valid until their expiration date. In cases where such documents are lost, destroyed, or become unusable, or if the applicant's identity information changes, the decision will be re-issued electronically without additional fees.
These reforms are part of Azerbaijan's broader strategy to digitalize public services, making the country more accessible for international visitors while maintaining robust security and regulatory oversight. By transitioning to electronic documentation, the government aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and improve the overall experience for foreigners residing in Azerbaijan.
