Two innovations that are under development will completely digitise the emigration/immigration process for South Africans travelling in and out of the country in the near future.
David Hlabane, Department of Home Affairs media manager, told Travel News about his department’s e-Passport project, planned for implementation during the DHA’s current ‘Medium Term Strategic Framework’, ending 2024.
“The e-Passport will run on the current live capture (online) system for machine-readable passports. Among its benefits, the e-Passport is aimed at fast-tracking passenger processing and self-service,” says David.
Another development that will fast-track passenger processing is the immigration e-Gate.
“Immigration e-Gates will enable SA passport holders to be cleared in and out of the country via biometric identification and verification, without them having to report to an immigration officer. The solution will expedite the movement of South Africans through the immigration process and free up resources to expedite the clearance of foreign nationals by immigration officers,” David explains.
The DHA was unable to give any more details, but said more information would be announced as the project unfolded.
