People travelling via the Pedestrian terminal in Phuentshogling no longer have to show their citizenship Identity cards for immigration clearance. The new E-gates, launched on His Majesty The King’s birthday, will streamline cross–border movement. The Home Minister attended the launch.
Immigration clearance at the pedestrian terminal is now faster with facial recognition and biometric technology.
Ten e-gates have been installed at the entry point and eight for exit. According to the immigration officials, they had initially planned ten exit gates but space constraints forced adjustments.
The e-gates are expected to ease crowding, especially during peak hours and seasons.
“People had to carry their citizenship identity card and voter cards or their documents for immigration clearance. And sometimes, people would forget to bring them. Now, they will no longer have to carry these documents, gates will open automatically after scanning their face in just a few seconds. This will be convenient,” said Tshering, Home Affairs Minister.
The minister said automation of the gates will be sustainable.
“While working on this, we researched properly and we made sure it is not for one or two years. It should be and will be sustainable. There might be some issues in the beginning because people would take some time to familiarise themselves with the process. But after some time, everything will be smooth and it will be exemplary.”
According to immigration officials, to pass through the E-gates, travellers must have completed biometrics. So far, biometrics have been recorded for about 20,000 foreigners.
For those without biometric records, several counters will be available to assist with entry and exit. These counters will also serve as a backup in emergencies.
“There should not be much issue, but if minor issues arise, there will be counter and immigration officials to facilitate manually,” said Jigme Tenzin, regional director of Regional Immigration, Phuentshogling.
The automation project is a key priority under the 13th Five-Year Plan, with plans to expand the system to other border gates in the future.
Kinley Dem, Phuentshogling
Edited by Sonam Pem
