Starting from May 1st, it was planned that Germans would only be able to submit digital passport photos. It seems like a simple task, at least for those who have a smartphone. However, the issue arises when trying to complete the process remotely. Since the introduction of appointment booking systems in the wake of the pandemic, things have not been functioning smoothly. Therefore, citizens will now be able to obtain a passport without having to visit the local registry office, which was previously necessary for both the application and collection process. However, this is not as straightforward as it seems, as a passport is an official document that verifies identity and the previous system ensured that a government officer could verify that the photo matched the person applying for it.
There are various ways to solve this issue, such as tele-service providers offering video conferencing and facial recognition. However, this raises the question of how individuals without familiarity with computers and the like will manage. Nevertheless, this is not the main obstacle, as it can be assumed that German planners will find other solutions.
The ingenious solution found is that passport photos can only be taken at certified photographers or in machines within the registry office itself. This option generates the most cost and time for users, particularly in rural areas where the nearest photographer is often as far away as the registry office, without a functioning public transportation system. Even the fact that drugstore markets offer passport photo services does not help in this situation.
However, it gets even worse. The local registry offices in Mecklenburg are reporting that the machines for the photos will not be available until August. Additionally, many of the photographers, who are already scarce, have not completed the necessary courses and do not have the required reading devices. These images are simply transmitted via the cloud and there is no compelling technical reason why it cannot be done in a simpler and more cost-effective manner.
The Nordkurier report also mentions that some service centers are improvising with iPhones, as the photo-taking devices are still not available. If such a complex version is chosen, the time required to make the necessary technology available should have been part of the planning process.
At least, the Federal Ministry of the Interior has decided that “in exceptional cases, the acceptance of paper-based light images beyond May 1, 2025, is temporarily allowed until July 31, 2025.” Only time will tell if this decision remains or if the Faeser ministry will create a miniature version of Stuttgart 21. Well, those who are so eager to erode citizens’ rights and suppress freedom of speech cannot also have the time for reasonable planning.