A new e-passport verification system donated by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has been set up at immigration counters at the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA) and the foreign labour section at the immigration department, reports local media.
Speaking at a function at Hulhulé Island Hotel yesterday, IOM Programme Manager Alia Hijree explained that the system could be used if an immigration officer feels suspicious about a passport or visa, adding that the process would only take 19 seconds.
“In this short time we verify the details about a suspicious person, to match those details stored on the electronic chip of the e-passport. The system will find how much the details match. In addition to this, the system will be able to check the type of ink used in the passport along with several other details,” she was quoted as saying by Haveeru.
Defence Minister Colonel (Retired) Mohamed Nazim meanwhile said the Maldives was targeted by smugglers while the threat of terrorism was a major concern in the region.
“Today criminals are more organized, technologically more capable, and increasingly operate across the borders. The threat of terrorism is a major concern in this region,” he was quoted as saying by Sun Online.
Counter-terrorism measures are being implemented to strengthen border control, he added.
“To strengthen our border security and minimise the threat of terrorism and trans-national crime, we are working hard to implement robust border security measures and also counter terrorism measures as well.”
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