DATEL installs Jordanian immigration control system
Jordan Electronic Gate matches passenger fingerprints against a smart card; self-monitoring system constantly updates databases; planners hope to expand program to non-Jordanian citizens
The Middle East biometrics security market is set to hit $500 million within the next two years — a strong sign that at least some members of that troubled area are getting serious about terrorism. Of course, nobody would doubt the intent of the government of Jordan — it has suffered its own share of al Qaeda-related troubles — but the country’s latest use of biometrics for airport security deserves notice. Installed as a turn-key project by DATEL at Queen Alia International Airport Amman, the “JO-IN” ( Jordan Electronic Gate ) matches passenger fingerprints against a smart card. If they match, the traveler is permitted through. Total time savings are estimated at five to seven seconds per person.
DATEL’s eCard includes a self-monitoring system. When scanned upon entry or exit, a traveler record, photograph and passport information as well as fingerprint scan are required to match; anomalies are automatically reported to a central system. “The more people that use eGate, the bigger the database of safe travelers. The biggest back-up we have is that the card is supported by the government,” said DATEL’s Prkash Ivaturi. “The eCard says you are someone we can trust.” At first, only Jordanian residents will participate, but the government hopes eventually to include all nationals and foreigners. “If you want your economy to move forward, you need more people traveling in and out. It’s just a matter of fitting it all together.”
-read more in this company news release
