http://www.asiaone.com/Travel/News/Story/A1Story20090329-131763.html
Sun, Mar 29, 2009
The Straits Times
5-year passport means greater security
I WOULD like to thank Mr Goh Kian Huat for his letter, "Allow 10-year validity for adult passports" (March 11).
As the passport-issuing authority of Singapore, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is committed to upholding the integrity and security of our passports. The Singapore biometric passport complies with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
In a move to enhance passport integrity and security, the validity period of Singapore passports was reduced to five years from April 1, 2005. Passports with shorter validity allow new technologies to be incorporated more rapidly, thus deterring passport forgery and abuse.
Shorter validity also ensures that passports held by Singaporeans are protected by up-to-date security features. Holding a passport that is trusted internationally as a secure travel document will enable Singaporeans to continue to travel with convenience.
Mr Goh also suggested using colour photographs in passports. We wish to explain why this is not feasible.
In the current Singapore biometric passport, the digital image of the passport holder is laser-engraved onto the data page. The use of laser-engraving technology for personalisation of passport photos is a mature process which is also used in identity cards. It has been shown to be more secure and tamper-resistant.
The latest laser engraving technology that meets international standards is currently available only in black and white. A black-and-white photograph also shows the holder's facial features more clearly and sharply, critical for ease of identification and matching. This adds to the convenience of use, especially when travelling abroad.
Chia Hui Keng (Ms)
Head, Public & Internal Communications Branch
Corporate Communications Division
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
Sun, Mar 29, 2009
The Straits Times
5-year passport means greater security
I WOULD like to thank Mr Goh Kian Huat for his letter, "Allow 10-year validity for adult passports" (March 11).
As the passport-issuing authority of Singapore, the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) is committed to upholding the integrity and security of our passports. The Singapore biometric passport complies with standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
In a move to enhance passport integrity and security, the validity period of Singapore passports was reduced to five years from April 1, 2005. Passports with shorter validity allow new technologies to be incorporated more rapidly, thus deterring passport forgery and abuse.
Shorter validity also ensures that passports held by Singaporeans are protected by up-to-date security features. Holding a passport that is trusted internationally as a secure travel document will enable Singaporeans to continue to travel with convenience.
Mr Goh also suggested using colour photographs in passports. We wish to explain why this is not feasible.
In the current Singapore biometric passport, the digital image of the passport holder is laser-engraved onto the data page. The use of laser-engraving technology for personalisation of passport photos is a mature process which is also used in identity cards. It has been shown to be more secure and tamper-resistant.
The latest laser engraving technology that meets international standards is currently available only in black and white. A black-and-white photograph also shows the holder's facial features more clearly and sharply, critical for ease of identification and matching. This adds to the convenience of use, especially when travelling abroad.
Chia Hui Keng (Ms)
Head, Public & Internal Communications Branch
Corporate Communications Division
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority
