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Source:
www.ica.gov.sg |
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UNVEILING ※BIOPASS§ 每
SINGAPORE＊S FIRST BIOMETRIC PASSPORT |
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The design and security features of ※BioPass§,
Singapore＊s first biometric passport were unveiled by Mr Wong Kan Seng,
Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister for Home Affairs at the
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) this morning (30 Mar 2006). |
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Features of BioPass |
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BioPass comes with enhanced secure features
which will help to ensure that the Singapore passport remains as a
highly secure travel document. |
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What＊s new |
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The most noticeable new features of BioPass
are: |
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Picture (i) 每 Front cover
of BioPass with ICAO logo |
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(i) The inclusion of
International Civil Aviation Organisation's (ICAO) e-passport logo on
the front cover of the passport; and
(ii) The polycarbonate data
page containing the bio-data of the passport holder. |
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Polycarbonate data page |
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Picture (iii) 每 Polycarbonate data page
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A contactless integrated-circuit chip is
embedded in the polycarbonate data page. The chip can be read
electronically to confirm the identity of the passport＊s holder. |
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The enhanced security features incorporated
on the new data page include: |
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(i) The use of
Optical Variable Ink for the words ※Republic of Singapore§ found at the
top of the page. The words would exhibit a shift in colour from magenta
to green when viewed from different angles.
(ii) Two multiple laser images (MLIs) on
the right of the page. The first MLI bears an interchangeable image of
the lion head against the passport number, while the second MLI reflects
the passport holder＊s photographs. Since 1991, MLIs have been
incorporated in our NRIC which have proven to be effective deterrents
against tampering and forgery.
(iii) A kinegram has also been embedded
on the data page, partially covering the passport holder＊s photograph
and personal particulars. A kinegram is a sophisticated security feature
that employs the use of laser beams and colour waves to create images.
It will help to ensure that any attempts to tamper with the passport
holder＊s photograph can be easily detected. |
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Inside cover |
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Picture (ii) 每 Inside front cover of
BioPass
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The important notes for the passport
holder＊s information have been moved from the first page of the
passport to the inside front cover. |
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An additional note has also been
included to remind the passport holder of the need to handle BioPass
with extra care in view of the embedded chip. |
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Visa pages |
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The design concept of the visa pages
follows that of the current passport with the Singapore skyline,
with the addition of the Esplanade. |
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Compliance with ICAO＊s standards |
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Most importantly, BioPass will comply
with the standards set by ICAO. It will incorporate facial and
fingerprint features as the biometric identifiers and carry a
validity of five years. |
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The passport number for BioPass will be
its inventory control number, instead of the current approach of
using the holder's NRIC number. |
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This unique inventory number will also
make it easier to share information on lost and stolen Singaporean
passports as part of the global effort to curb passport abuse. |
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Implementation plan 每 Phase 1 |
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Starting from 29 April 2006, ICA will
commence Phase 1 of the BioPass implementation plan, where certain
groups of Singapore citizens will be among the first to carry the
Singapore biometric passport. More details can be found in DPM Wong
Kan Seng＊s speech at the event. |
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Note to Singaporeans |
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Singapore citizens carrying valid
machine-readable passports currently enjoy visa-free entry to US.
All our passports issued locally from 2 January 1991 are
machine-readable. |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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A set of Frequently Asked Questions can
be found at
Annex B. |
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Immigration & Checkpoints
Authority
31 March 2006 |
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More..... |
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Source:
www.ica.gov.sg News Release 31
Mar 2006 |
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Related Article: |
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-
New Singapore biometric passports from 15 Aug 2006 |
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Notice |
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FrontPage Edition: Mon 3 Apr 2006
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