Automated border management system for CJIA likely by year-end – VP Jagdeo

– says new system will allow for self-check-ins

As part of its digitalisation programme, the Guyana Government is moving to implement an automated border management system, which will allow persons entering the country to fill out customs and immigration forms online.
This system will be rolled out at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA) in the initial stage before being expanded to the other ports of entry across the country including the Eugene F. Correia International Airport at Ogle.
Speaking about several digitisation processes underway to improve safety and the ease of doing business locally, Vice President Dr Bharrat Jagdeo on Thursday disclosed that the ‘paperless system’ at the airport is expected to be operational by the end of 2024.
“We have a project… that will make our airport paperless. And we’re hoping by the end of the year that this will happen, that we have an automated border management system that will pre-screen people; that would allow us to know long before people arrive in the country, who they are and their background… that would allow people to online or through an app fill up all of the entry forms and customs declarations – everything online and that would be shared directly to the GRA (Guyana Revenue Authority),” he explained.
Currently, a printed customs declaration form is used at all of Guyana’s ports of entry for arriving passengers.
But with the new automated border management system, all arriving passengers’ information will be directed to a central database which can be used to track foreigners who overstay their time or are seeking employment without a permit among other immigration-related offenses.
According to Jagdeo, this new system will further allow for self-check-in with the use of a new form of identification or passport to be issued to citizens and some visitors thus removing the hassle of joining long queues to clear immigration at the airport.
“This would allow us to have these automated gates so that with the new [electronic] ID we would be issuing soon or a passport, you will be able to just swipe your ID or your passport without approaching an immigration officer and enter the country. But, if you are flagged by the border management system then you’d have to of course go to an immigration officer,” the VP explained.
As part of its overall digitalisation efforts, the Guyana Government is working on introducing electronic identification (e-ID) cards for both Guyanese citizens and visitors. The Vice President explained this would not only help to differentiate between the two groups and make it easier for Guyanese citizens to simply swipe their e-ID cards or passports to re-enter the country but also monitor foreign nations while they are here.
“So, when you enter the country, immediately that record goes to a government central database that will be able to track you if you come in a short-term visa so if you overstay, suddenly you get flagged and if you didn’t come in with a particular visa, you can’t get a work permit. So, a modern system to manage the safety of our country and our borders that we can know who is coming into our country and we can keep our people secure and we can flag undesirables,” Jagdeo posited.
In addition to the border management system, the digitalization programme also includes other ongoing projects such as digitising patient records and the automation of all functions with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Safe Country initiative along with the introduction of blockchain technology, which is yet to be rolled out.
Back in March 2023, the Guyana Government signed a $34.5 million contract with German company Veridos Identify Solutions for the implementation of the electronic identification system, which was expected to be launched in the second quarter of this year.
Some $783.4 million was allocated in Budget 2024 for this project and it was reported at the time that the finalisation of the requisite policies and design was in progress.
However, there has been a setback in the issuance of these cards with VP Jagdeo stating at a June 6 press conference that, “there is a delay with the issuance of the e-ID cards but it’s a project that is alive and it’s going well.”
This new electronic card will be issued to Guyanese residents for the conduct of a wide array of transactions as well as to monitor the issuance of work permits in the country.
President Dr Irfaan Ali had previously stated that the rollout of this resident electronic ID card will promote the ease of doing business and personal transactions in Guyana. Key to these e-ID cards would be its internationally-recognised features, which are not only ISO-certified but will also be accepted by the International Civil Aviation Organizaiton (ICAO) for international travel.
The Head of State had noted too the card’s capabilities are also in keeping with his government’s commitment to promote e-governance to improve the productivity of businesses and the delivery of Government services through the introduction of e-health, e-education, e-security, e-agriculture, electronic permit, and license processing among other areas.(G-8)