Norway drops requirement to have visible ears on new passport photos

The Norwegian government dropped the requirement for visible ears on passport photos, so people can now wear turbans or hijabs on passport pictures. 

The change doesn’t only apply to religious headgear, Minister of Justice and Emergency Management Monica Mæland (H) told newspaper Vårt Land.

Mæland said that the passports and the national ID cards would be secure enough even with this new change, according to Norwegian Broadcasting (NRK). 

Among others, the police also provided advice on the issue.

“Yes, it’s true that some advised us on the issue, justifying their input with security concerns. However, we shouldn’t demand more than is necessary. 

There must be a proportionality between the demands we make, especially when they are perceived to discriminate and prevent religious freedom. We do not want that,” Mæland said.

© NTB Scanpix / #Norway Today