BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The Immigration and Citizenship Services Department will from 30th December, 2019, introduce an electronic passport replacing the old type of passport known as the machine readable passport.
According to a statement that the Department released on 10th December, 2019 and was signed by the Director General of the Department, Masauko Medi, the new type of passports will enhance security features of the same and at the same time conform with the international standards of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
Unlike the current machine readable passport, the new electronic passport is a booklet embedded with an electronic chip able to electronically store the holder’s details including biometrics.
This new type of passports will also have improved security features derived from a review of the features adopted globally.
The Department says once the electronic passport is launched, it will be used concurrently with the machine readable passports for a specified period during which period the holders of the old type of passports will be encouraged to replace and acquire the new e-passports.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship Services is, among other duties, responsible for issuance of travel documents such as passports and visas and checking the legal entries and exits of both Malawians and foreigners.
