Gemalto to Jump-start India's Electronic Passport Program

(Business News & Technology News, 22 Sep 2008)

Gemalto has been selected to supply Sealys eTravel solution to India's National security printer, India Security Press, for India's electronic passport rollout for Indian Officials and Diplomats. This marks a major milestone for the Indian Government's Ministry of External Affairs, India Security Press, National Informatics Centre and Gemalto in improving immigration processing at airports and border control points as well as bolstering national security.

This Sealys eTravel offering forms the integral security and contactless communications component of the electronic passports that are manufactured by the India Security Press. It includes the advanced secure operating system and microprocessor that stores and protects the holder's digital identity as well as the communications antenna. The passports have been launched for Indian diplomats and government officials initially and in a second stage, the Indian government intends to deploy it for the general public.

Electronic passports help to significantly increase security and protection against fraudulent misuse and tampering, thanks to the use of biometric features such as a digital photograph of the passport holder. Additionally, speed and security are critical to ensure fast and reliable immigration flow and shorter queues at border crossings. The solution benefits from the global experience gained by Gemalto as world leader in electronic passport solutions.

Gemalto's offer is developed in full conformance with the SCOSTA-CL specifications of the Government of India. This combines the international ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) electronic passport specification with specifics of the Indian national SCOSTA specifications.

Other Asian countries are expected to start nationwide rollout of biometric passports in the coming months. Gemalto's e-passport references include; Cote d'Ivoire, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Italy, Latvia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Singapore, Slovenia, Sweden and USA.

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