TravTalk Middle East Online Magazine
With COVID-19 restrictions easing globally, border control authorities have added responsibility to review health credentials of travellers in the Middle East. While biometric identity management systems have helped reduce safety and security concerns, the sector demands frequent innovations.
The pandemic has shifted the travel process, and it has brought the airport experience to the forefront. With travel restrictions easing globally, border control authorities are likely to spend more time scrutinising travellers’ records, given the added need to review health credentials and vaccination statuses. While biometric identity management systems have helped improve the situation to some extent by enabling border gate officials to verify the identity of passengers at a faster rate, the sector demands frequent innovations.
Innovations in biometrics
As Middle East governments focus on contactless travel experience, already there have been innovations in biometric authentication at airports. International passengers at the UAE’s Dubai International Airport can use the biometric path in Terminal 3 for a contactless journey.
The technology, which uses facial and iris recognition, allows passengers to check-in, complete immigration forms and board in a contactless way, as well as reduces queue time and supports health and security measures. As part of the biometric pathway, Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with Emirates Airline, has developed a technology called Smart Tunnel, enabling passengers to be automatically cleared by immigration authorities while walking through it. This process cuts out any document checks or queue.
In Saudi Arabia, the Ministry of Interior has plans to introduce an iris recognition biometric system in order to identify passengers and ensure safety and security of the nation. The Ministry’s National Information Centre will install iris recognition system.
Emerging technologies
A few years from now, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and data analytics will fundamentally change border management, enabling Smart Borders, although adoption of these technologies is relatively limited at present. These emerging technologies would provide enhanced judgement to border officials through AI-enabled intelligence in analysing biometric markers such as facial recognition. Wider acceptance of digital and intuitive technologies will be critical to regaining pre-pandemic momentum.
Mitigating measures
Adoption of advanced technologies for border control management have their share of risks, such as manipulation of machine learning systems. Similarly, data can be corrupted through targeted attacks.
