MINSK, October 12. /TASS/. Belarusian citizens may be temporarily barred from traveling abroad in the interest of national security, according to a bill passed in its first reading by the parliament on Wednesday to align the legislation with the presidential decree ‘On biometric documents, the House of Representatives (the lower house of Belarus’ parliament) said.

It is reported that the State Security Committee (KGB) has been given the right to temporarily restrict the departure of individuals from Belarus for reasons of national security, and to regulate travel abroad by public officials.

Furthermore, the bill extends opportunities for foreigners to obtain residence permits in Belarus, in particular after they acquire ownership of multifunctional real estate or any other accommodation.

In addition, the bill specifies the grounds for military service deferment, in particular, it stipulates narrowing down the list of individuals eligible for deferment.

It was reported earlier that military personnel, employees and civilian personnel of military units and paramilitary organizations as well as public officials were allowed to travel abroad after agreeing to this with the heads of their public institutions, organizations or military units. These employees may be denied the right to travel abroad in order to "ensure national security." The procedure of leaving the country by civil servants will be determined by the Council of Ministers.