• Singapore immigration plans to scan your face instead of your passport

    From JAB@21:1/5 to All on Mon Oct 2 06:59:08 2023
    Yes, Singapore immigration plans to scan your face instead of your
    passport

    No, that does not mean you can leave it at home just yet

    Last week the internet was abuzz with talk that Singapore's commercial
    Changi airport was no longer going to require passports for clearance
    at immigration. Although it is true the paper documentation will be
    replaced by biometric measures, it's not quite time to pack the
    document away.

    The news came through as Singapore passed its Immigration Amendment
    Bill which, among other things, enables the use of end-to-end
    biometric clearance at airports and checkpoints, beginning in the
    first half of 2024.

    "Singapore will be one of the first few countries in the world to
    introduce automated, passport-free immigration clearance," said
    minister for communications and information Josephine Teo in a wrap-up
    speech for the bill. Teo did concede that Dubai had such clearance for
    select enrolled travelers, but there was no assurance of other
    countries planning similar actions.
    ...
    ...
    Another consideration for why passports will likely remain relevant in Singapore airports is for checking in with airlines. Airlines check
    passports not just to confirm identity, but also visas and more.
    Airlines are often held responsible for stranded passengers so will
    likely be required to confirm travelers have the documentation
    required to enter their destination.

    https://www.theregister.com/2023/10/02/singapore_face_scan_passports/

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