The Indian government is set to introduce an expedited biometric process for international passengers, aiming to streamline immigration checks and advance the strategy to develop India’s airports into global transit hubs similar to Dubai and Singapore. The objective of this procedure is to tackle issues such as extended queues at immigration counters, security and immigration bottlenecks, allocation of international flying rights, and the development of essential infrastructure.
Automated immigration clearances are set to be introduced at New Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru airports, enabling international arrivals and departures without the need for physical passport verification. The verification will be conducted using either facial recognition or fingerprints.
Last week, civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya Scindia discussed plans with the chairman of the Airport Authority of India (AAI) and chief executives of private airports. He also discussed about the feasibility of extending DigiYatra app for this purpose. At present, domestic passengers utilize the DigiYatra app for a paperless process, which helps save time. The project is managed by the Digi Yatra Foundation, a private non-profit organization jointly owned by AAI and private airports.
The CEO of DigiYatra Foundation, Suresh Khadakbhavi mentioned that testing is currently underway. The foundation aims to collaborate with Bureau of Immigration and visa-issuing agencies to enable this service for international passengers.
Benefits of e-passports
The adoption of e-passports marks a significant advancement in travel documentation, offering a range of benefits to both travelers and governments. These passports, equipped with embedded microchips containing biometric information, enhance security measures, making it more challenging for identity fraud and tampering. The incorporation of biometric data, such as fingerprints and facial recognition, ensures robust identity verification. E-passports streamline the immigration process with automated controls, reducing wait times and providing a more efficient experience for travelers. Additionally, their global interoperability fosters seamless international travel. As a symbol of modernization in passport technology, e-passports contribute to a more secure and convenient era of border management, aligning with the evolving needs of the digital age.
For first-time visitors to India, enrollment and initial immigration clearance will involve iris, facial, and fingerprint biometrics at manual counters. Departing visitors can opt for the automated clearance route. Subsequent trips with the same passport allow clearance using iris and facial biometrics at the manual counters, streamlining the process for returning travelers.
Khadakbhavi mentioned that the system will first be implemented for international passengers, extending to Indian citizens once the government issues e-passports. The innovative process aims to minimize the necessity for travelers to repeatedly present travel documents at various checkpoints, ensuring a smoother and more convenient journey.
