Biometric data capture for all foreign arrivals has begun at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.The new system is being operated by the Department of Home Affairs (DHA).The airport posted to their official Facebook page ahead of the change-over on Friday, 1 July, saying that “passengers should be mindful of their connecting flight and adjust accordingly”.The country plans to implement biometric machines at four ports of entry every month, prioritising the ports of entry that handled the highest volume of passengers.The decision followed a drop in international tourists in 2015 that critics said was due to requirements that visitors make biometric submissions prior to entering South Africa.This was particularly problematic in China, a key tourism source market, where potential visitors needed to travel to Beijing and Shanghai due to lack of facilities.The DHA started training officials to capture biometric data at South Africa's international airports in November, as part of plans for an “enhanced Movement Control System” (eMCS).
Recent Articles
- Belgian Centre for Cybersecurity reports significant phishing scams
- Thales and Georgia State of Driver Services deliver enrolment kiosks to issue credentials
- EU Commission’s first Interoperability Report and roadmap to a seamless digital EU
- 150 speakers announced for the world’s largest identity event!
- Procivis to deliver Lithuanian EU digital identity wallet sandbox
Recent Video
- Stephen Chapman praises UK passport system, calls for international standards to support national systems
- Michelle Wilson on building Blue Cavalry Solutions and advancing interoperable digital ID
- “We are looking at how to make biometrics quicker”: Hannes Lember discusses Estonia’s contactless biometric pilot and border innovation
- New non-profit trade association of HAND will standardise global talent ID
- No cards, no phones: J.P. Morgan’s biometric revolution in payments
