Brunei Launches Biometric Passport
By Hj Ahmed Shaheeb

Bandar Seri Begawan - Brunei Darussalam has joined select Asean nations with the launch of "chip-embedded" biometric passport, known as e-passport, yesterday.

With the consent of His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Minister of Home Affairs Pehin Orang Kaya Johan Pahlawan Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Adanan bin Begawan Pehin Siraja Khatib Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Mohd Yusof, officially launched the e-passport at the Department of Immigration and National Registration building.

Pehin Awg Hj Adanan said the launching of the biometric passport symbolises a very significant accomplishment and adds another chapter in Brunei's illustrious history.

The launching of new biometric passports will put Brunei in the same group of Asean countries like Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia, which will further raise the image of Brunei in the world.

The minister added that the new biometric passport is in line with the standards set by the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) and proves that Brunei can achieve the success enjoyed by other countries through belief and total commitment in the implementation of "best practices" according to standard global requirements.

The chip imbedded in the new biometric passport can permanently store personal details of the holder and the biometric facts of the individual such as facial and fingerprint images and can be readily accessed for examination or comparison, he said.

The B$7.2 million project is aimed at speeding up the checking process at immigration posts and checkpoints and to curb forgery as the new biometric passport has a number of high security features, which are unique to respective countries, he added.

He said the new passport will come in three categories: the normal Brunei Darussalam passport, diplomatic passport and official passport. The passports have been used and accepted worldwide since yesterday.

The minister lauded the efforts of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Department of Immigration and National Registration in working jointly with local company Information Technologies Protective and Security Services (ITPSS) and two renowned companies from Germany — Dermalog and G&D — in making the biometric passport project and application a reality.

He also made a special mention of local companies like ITPSS who had been involved not only in the initial stages of the project but also in ensuring its proper operation and maintenance.

He added the government of the United States of America has been using biometric passports since October 26, 2006 and the launching of the new biometric passport will allow Brunei to enjoy special privileges and be placed among countries included in the US visa waiver programme.

Additionally, he said, MRPs (machine readable passports) can still be used up to six months before the expiry date. However, he advised the public to apply for the new passport immediately to replace the MRP, which is currently being used by them.

Meanwhile, Awang Zainal Abidin bin Dato Paduka Haji Ahmad, Director at the Department of Immigration and National Registration, in his speech said the new biometric passport would replace the MRP, which is currently being used and marks a shift towards new and up to date technology.

The ceremony ended with the guest of honour being shown a demonstration of features and the issuing process of the new biometric passport at the travel documents section. -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Related News: New Biometric Passport To Be Launched Today | E-Passports Have Hi-Tech Features | Government Launches Hi-Tech Passport | Brunei Boosts Passport With Cutting-Edge Technology

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