The Government of Cape Verde started yesterday (06) the implementation of the second phase of biometric control at air borders, hoping to reinforce airport and border security.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs advanced, in a statement, that this phase consists of the installation of equipment for the collection of facial biometrics of passengers at air border posts, both when entering and leaving the national territory.
"With this system, it will be possible, through the image of the passenger's face, to make an automatic comparison with the photograph of the biographical page and the passport chip, in real time and using cutting-edge technology,” explained the same source.
With the implementation of the Automated Biometric Identification System (ABIS at the borders), the executive said that the confirmation of the recognition of facial biometrics becomes a determining element in the process of analysis and border control.
"In addition to verifying the other conditions for entering and leaving the country, validating the authenticity of the passport and passenger data and verifying the absence of precautionary measures or other legal interdictions“, he indicated.
In December 2020, the country began the first phase of the system, with the installation of automated border posts ('eGates') at all international airports.
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The experimental period took place at Nelson Mandela International Airport in Praia, and by the end of the month it will be implemented at other airports.
The Government realized that this stage has the approval of the National Data Protection Commission (CNPD) and that it represents “an important reinforcement” of the border security criteria and with an impact on improving the efficiency standards of the Border Units.
In addition to raising the level of security, the executive previously considered that the 'eGates' will also have a direct and positive impact on reducing passenger waiting times (average of 10 seconds per person).
The measure will also minimize crowding and other constraints when entering the country, thus contributing to the appreciation of Cape Verde as a safe country and tourist destination.
Cape Verde has four international airports, namely in Praia, Sal, Boa Vista and São Vicente, in addition to three airfields, in São Nicolau, Maio and Fogo.
According to transport statistics, released last week by the National Institute of Statistics (INE), the number of passengers at airports and airfields in Cape Verde grew 311,6% in the second quarter of the year, compared to the same period last year.
Between April and June of this year, there were 484.428 passenger movements at airports and airfields in Cape Verde, 366.747 more than in the same period of 2021.
