SIMFEROPOL, September 11. /ITAR-TASS/. Just two percent of Crimean citizens have still to receive Russian passports, the head of Russia's Federal Migration Service in the region, Petr Yarosh, said on Thursday.

"Ninety-eight per cent - that makes a wonderful number," he said. "The two percent of the population who are still confused about the choice will be able to obtain their passports until December and everything will be alright," said Yarosh.

About 3,500 people have refused Russian citizenship and will not participate in nationwide Russian elections on September 14, the official said, adding that they will obtain residence permits allowing them to live on Crimean territory.

Crimea's population stood at 19.7 million at the start of 2014, 62.7% of which live in urban areas.