Countries around the world are now adhering to global standards to provide their citizens with enhanced security and a smoother travel experience through the use of biometric systems. These initiatives are also expected to facilitate inter-African travel by making it easier for travelers to cross borders by reducing red tape.
South Africa’s digital first strategy
In an announcement to coincide with the National Unity Government’s 100th day in office, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs Dr. Leon Schreiber announced a five-year strategic plan aimed at digitizing the Department of Home Affairs. The initiative, called “Home Affairs @ Home,” will eliminate the need for citizens to visit Home Affairs offices in person for routine services, as all services will be fully automated and accessible online.
The vision of ‘Home Affairs @ Home’ is to make the Ministry’s services easily available to citizens from the comfort of their homes. Minister Schreiber emphasized that the new strategy will move the department away from reliance on brick-and-mortar stores.
The plan promises that over the next five years, all of the ministry’s services, including ID, passport and certificate applications and renewals, will be digitized. These services will be provided through an online platform similar to the system currently used by banks and the South African Revenue Service (SARS). This system is linked to the user’s biometrics.
The same initiative will enable travelers visiting Japan to apply for electronic travel authorization online. Travelers provide biometrics to the Department of Home Affairs during the application process, which will be verified upon arrival in South Africa.
By linking biometric data with travel authorizations to national and international databases, movement control systems at all ports of entry overseen by border control authorities will automatically detect if a traveler overstays his or her authorized permission. Alert immigration officials in real time.
Nigeria introduces biometric passport
As Africa moves towards integrating digital systems into border controls, several countries are adopting biometric passports and facial recognition technology to streamline border controls and improve security. Nigeria is following suit, with the country recently announcing that it will introduce a biometric passport system on October 1, 2024, coinciding with its 64th Independence Day.
The project is expected to facilitate overseas travel for Nigerians by allowing applicants to apply for passports and visas online, eliminating the need to visit passport offices and embassies. According to a report in the Guardian NG newspaper, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, said the system would bring Nigeria on par with the latest international standards on travel documents.
The country joined ICAO’s public key directory just a few weeks ago.
These developments in Africa reflect global trends, with several countries adopting advanced biometric systems as a more efficient way to obtain travel documents.
Australian travel biometric app
The Australian Government has introduced the Australian Immi App, a new mobile application designed to streamline the visa application process for travelers from the Pacific region. The app allows visa applicants to capture and verify facial biometrics directly from their mobile phone, eliminating the need to visit a biometric collection center in person.
The app was first rolled out in Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea, with eligibility extended to third-country nationals in New Zealand.
Oman customs introduces facial recognition system
Similarly, Oman Customs announced the introduction of a new facial recognition authentication system that will be implemented through the Royal Oman Police’s e-application. The system is expected to go live as early as October 1 and aims to enhance security, privacy and efficiency of digital customs services, Muscat Daily reports.
Initially, the facial recognition system will only be available to customs brokers. To enable this feature, customs agents must log into the Royal Oman Police app and verify their digital ID. Once verified, you will be able to access the Bayan Customs system using your mobile phone number or smart card.
This process requires the customs broker to select a role within the Bayan system, which redirects the customs broker to the Royal Oman Police page.
Article topics
Australia | Biometrics | Digital ID | Electronic | Facial recognition | Mobile app | Nigeria | Oman | South Africa | Travel documents
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