New technology for Immigration and Emigration Department
US$ 750,000 grant by IOM:
The IOM is providing a USD 750,000 grant to the Department of
Immigration and Emigration to improve their document management systems.
The front-end image and application electronic technology is a
significant milestone in a series of efforts to make migration safer
under the IOM - Government of Sri Lanka Technical Cooperation on
Migration (TCM) framework. It does so by introducing electronic document
management systems and photo matching technology (Front desk digital
scanning of image matching End Desk document processing product)
therefore reducing the space for fraudulent activities in the passport
service chain.
This feature will help Sri Lankan officials by providing a reliable
verification mechanism and decreasing significantly opportunities for
theft. Its archive element will also help facilitate speedy
investigation and prosecution of cases of trafficking and smuggling.
"We have joined together with IOM to find solutions to our migration
management challenges and determine concrete actions especially when
faced with complex identity theft issues. Our current document
management system is paper-based and as such it has proven very
difficult to ensure accuracy, efficiency as well as provide timely
service. It also allows opportunities for data manipulation during
application processing. Benefitting from best options in progressive
technology has been one of the most important aspects of this technical
assistance programme for our department" said P.B.Abeykoon, Controller
General of Immigration and Emigration at the event.
The Image and Application System being introduced is part of the
technology transfer component of the TCM framework and it is supported
financially by the European Commission and the Australian Government.
The Department of Immigration and Emigration by utilising this
electronic system will be able to provide faster and more reliable
passport issuing services to Sri Lankan citizens. |