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SA border control system to save passengers time

Source: Tourism Update, 01/01/1970


Airports Company South Africa (Acsa) COO, Fundi Sithebe, says the
joint project by Acsa and the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) is
aimed at operational efficiency and saving passengers time. Instead
of having their passports checked by an immigration officer,
passengers will scan their passport at an electronic gate.
Sithebe says the DHA is currently developing a biometrics system
using passengers` fingerprints to verify their identification. Until
the SA e-passports are finalised in June/July, passengers will use
their existing SA passports and undergo fingerprint scans when
passing through the e-gates, she explains. Acsa’s function is to
procure and maintain the e-gates and interface with the DHA’s
biometrics system.
The project will initially focus on SA passengers. The DHA will then
begin the development process of the ‘Trusted Traveller’ programme
for international passengers, which will include interaction and
agreements with other international government agencies. Upon
completion of this, further enhancements with Acsa will be done to
accommodate all travellers passing through e-emigration/e-immigration
processes.
Sithebe says, faced with increasing arrivals and long queues at
passport control, Acsa is accelerating the digitising of its
airports. In doing so, it is working closely with Iata’s Fast Travel
Programme. In time, automated processes will be available at key
points, including check-in, baggage, document check, flight re-
booking, and self-boarding.
Meanwhile, Cape Town International Airport has invested R6m (€384
567) to train 30 cadets as immigration officers to help ease long
queues at passport control, says Spokesperson, Deidre Davids.


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