Foreigners, except diplomats and official passports holders, visiting Bhutan will now be required to enroll their finger prints through a biometric system at entry points. The Department of Immigration launched their new system this morning. The system, first of its kind, will be in place at certain entry points in the country within this week.
The Home and Cultural Affairs Minister, Damcho Dorji, launched the system. Speaking at the launch, he said the new system would help the Immigration Department to further enhance their service delivery. “With the unprecedented development taking place in the Country, large number of foreign workers are being engaged in various activities including the mega hydroelectric projects, construction sectors, service industries among others. Besides, with the government’s plans to facilitate tourism growth and promote FDI ventures, the immigration services will continue to gain momentum in future,” said Lyonpo Damcho Dorji.
At the launch, the function of the biometric system was also demonstrated. With the implementation of system, biometric features of finger prints and facial images shall be captured.
The foreigners visiting the Country for the second time will just need to undergo verification. If found registered, they will not have to go through similar enrollment phase. The Director General of the Department, Thinley Wangchuk, said the system was introduced to render prompt and professional public services and to strengthen the Nation’s security.
He added that the system would enable any front desk officials to verify any individual by capturing finger prints. This, he said, would also enable the officials to determine whether to grant permit or not by going through the past information. The Director General said it would help in curbing fraud documents and imposters.
The biometric system was designed by the Department of Immigration, and developed by a professional international firm, Tiger IT Bangladesh Ltd.
