Expect some changes in your passport if you are looking for a reissuance next year, or applying for a new one. The government is all set to issue e-passports from 2021. This futuristic step will follow the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. The passports will be tougher, as well as harder to destroy. All 36 passport offices in India under the Ministry of External Affair will start issuing these soon.
Referring to this development, Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar emphasized the need for higher security protocols for passports, and the need for e-passports being at the forefront of achieving that goal.
So what exactly is an e-passport
An e-passport uses Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) and biometrics. An embedded microchip with an internationally recognised logo meant for e-passports will hold all the vital information of the passport holder. It will be able to prevent unauthorised data transfer through RFID. The chip will be able to store data on up to 30 international visits.
How will it help me
You can expect faster processing times at all major airports due to higher levels of automation from immigrations areas to security checks. The chip includes the passport holder&rsquos essential information (name and date of birth, profile image, and even fingerprints and iris biometrics), and can communicate this data to airport and government officials. Some mobile devices like Apple and Android smartphones which support NFC tag reading can even scan these passports. With e-passports, identity verification is more reliable. Traditional passports are relatively easier to forge, but the encrypted data in an e-passport, alongwith security features like complex watermarks and microtext, are tougher to replicate. Another important feature is that there's no need for physical contact to verify your credentials, and that's a major advantage in these pandemic times.
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Has it had a test run
Till now around 20,000 official and diplomatic e-passports have been issued, all embedded with such chips, on a trial basis. After the successful trial run, the process is in full swing to implement e-passports for all citizens to replace the existing booklet-style passports.
With infrastructure in place, the government has already initiated the process to deter identity theft, forgery. And enhanced connectivity for a streamlined immigration process is being put in the pipeline.
How do I apply for it
The process for applying remains the same, from filing the application form on the Indian government website to choosing your location and date of appointment.
Are there any issues with e-passports
Quite a few. Since 2004, many nations have started issuing e-passports containing RFID tags that, when powered, broadcasts information. There have been several studies and reports on potential security, and privacy, issues. Someone can obtain private data stored in it using RF communication while the passport is stored in your bag/pocket.