India is making a crucial move by introducing a chip-based biometric e-passport, a technology already adopted by over 120 foreign countries like the United States, France, Italy, Mexico, Canada, Japan, and others. The chip-based biometric e-passports are set to be the new normal. The move aims to prevent fraud identity and a speedy immigration process for Indians. The upgradation of passports began in 2024 as a pilot project in several cities.
Why upgradation is significant
Switching to e-passports will help nations to handle the rising number of incoming passengers efficiently and securely. It has been observed that machine-readable passports are vulnerable to duplication but biometric e-passports will prevent fraud identity through cryptographic encryption, and it will ensure an effortless immigration process.
Process of Biometric Passport began in 2024
The process of e-passport already began in the country in April 2024. The programme launched on the basis of pilot implementations in cities like Jammu, Goa, Shimla, Raipur, Amritsar, Jaipur, Chennai, Hyderabad, Surat, Nagpur and Bhubaneswar. It is expected that full-scale implementations may take place by mid 2025.
Biometric-e-passports will have RFID
Biometric-e-passports will have a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) chip and an antenna embedded in the back cover as key features. The chip is capable of storing the facial images, fingerprints, name, birth and passport number. The data would be protected and encrypted under international security protocols such as Basic Access Control, Passive Authentication.
User-friendly application process
The e-passport application process is user-friendly. An individual can apply through the Passport Seva Portal. The applicant can provide the biometric data by visiting at their local Passport Seva Kendra or Post Office Passport Seva Kendra.
