India is set to launch a pilot study for facial biometric-based immigration in June 2025, according to Suresh Khadakbhavi, the CEO of Digi Yatra Foundation. Speaking at the CAPA Digital Aviation Summit, Khadakbhavi mentioned that they are planning an international pilot project between two countries, aiming to simplify the immigration process.
[Expansion of Digi Yatra Facility and Collaboration with Bureau of Immigration]Currently, the Digi Yatra facility allows seamless digital boarding using facial recognition for domestic passengers across 24 airports in India. Moving forward, Digi Yatra aims to collaborate with the Bureau of Immigration and visa-issuing agencies to extend this service to international travelers entering and leaving India.
The initial rollout of the facial biometric-based immigration will target international passengers, with Indian citizens gaining access once the government begins issuing e-passports. This would eliminate the need for passengers to repeatedly display travel documents at multiple checkpoints, ultimately speeding up clearance at departure and arrival points.
[Testing E-Passports and Nationwide Implementation]As part of the preparation for the facial biometric-based immigration system, India is currently testing e-passports at regional passport offices in Bhubaneswar and Nagpur. The Ministry of External Affairs plans to implement e-passports nationwide in phases following a successful pilot study and necessary certifications.
The new e-passports will incorporate a combination of paper and electronic components, featuring an embedded RFID chip that stores critical data, making them more secure and harder to forge. The design of the e-passports adheres to the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
[Involvement of Other Nations and National Airport Transformation]To further enhance connectivity and streamline operations, India is looking to involve countries within the European Union, Singapore, and other nations who have already adopted e-passports and have a significant portion of their citizens holding such documents, in their pilot project.
Additionally, the Indian government is currently drafting a national policy that aims to transform Indian airports into major international hubs, providing single-point connectivity for the entire South Asian region. This policy, which will require Cabinet approval, seeks to address security and immigration challenges, allocate international flying rights, and enhance airport infrastructure. Ultimately, this initiative aims to position Indian airports, such as Delhi’s, as competitive transit hubs alongside renowned airports like Dubai and Singapore.
India’s plans for a facial biometric-based immigration system are promising, signaling the country’s efforts to leverage technology to improve air travel efficiency and enhance the passenger experience. As they proceed with the international pilot project and the rollout of e-passports, it will be interesting to see how these initiatives reshape the future of immigration and airport operations in India.
