As Dominica became the first OECS Nation to launch e- Passports Monday, Acting Chief of Police Lincoln Corbette says immigration staff are ready to roll out this new system.
The passports, which will feature an electronic chip that will store a digital security system and biographical information, were launched on Monday by Government.
Corbette says the new system will ensure “hassle free travel worldwide” for Dominican citizens.
According to the Police Chief, Immigration Officers stand ready to implement the system following “extensive training”.
Citizens have until July 30, 2023 to apply for the new passport and Corbette assured Dominicans that the application process is the same as that of machine readable passports.
The launch was held in collaboration with Canadian Banknote Company Ltd, who designed the e- Passports.
Minister for National Security Rayburn Blackmoore says the new system forms part of a wider security project with Canadian Banknote to the tune of US$7 million.
The project aims to upgrade Dominica’s border security management, and is slated to end next year.
He says it will allow law enforcement to cultivate a watchlist to “to ensure that persons with ill intentions can be actively dealt with” before entering Dominica.
