Singapore is set to unveil a groundbreaking method of immigration clearance that eliminates the need for multiple passport or boarding pass checks. Instead, they will employ cutting-edge technology such as facial recognition to create a unified identification token.
The measure was unveiled as part of the Immigration (Amendment) Bill, presented to Parliament late Monday by Communications and Information Minister Josephine Teo. Teo said that Singapore would be “one of the first few countries in the world to introduce automated, passport-free immigration clearance.”
The new system, called the Automated Clearance Initiative (ACI), will enrol eligible foreign visitors for the use of the automated lanes during arrival immigration clearance at Singapore’s checkpoints. The enrolment will be done automatically when visitors seek clearance at the manual immigration counters or designated automated lanes available at all Changi Airport Arrival terminals, Woodlands Checkpoint and Tuas Checkpoint. No separate registration is required.
Once enrolled, visitors will be notified via an Electronic Visit Pass (e-Pass) sent to their email address provided in their SG Arrival Card submission. The e-Pass will enable them to use the automated lanes during departure and on subsequent visits to Singapore. Biometrics will be used to create a ‘single token of authentication’ that will be employed at various automated touchpoints, from bag-drop to immigration and boarding. This will reduce the need for passengers to repeatedly present their travel documents at these touchpoints.
The ACI is expected to be fully implemented by 2024, and will make Singapore one of the first countries in the world to adopt such a system. The ACI is part of Singapore’s efforts to enhance its border security and facilitate seamless travel for its visitors. The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has been training its officers since 2020 to take on higher value jobs in assessment and investigation, using newly acquired skills.
The ACI is also aligned with the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) vision of a future where passengers can travel across borders without having to carry their passports. The ICAO has been developing standards and guidelines for the use of biometric technology in aviation security and facilitation.
Singapore’s Changi Airport is widely regarded as one of the best airports in the world, having won numerous awards for its service quality, innovation and efficiency. The ACI is expected to further enhance its reputation as a leading aviation hub and a preferred destination for travellers.
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