The International Organiza-tion for Migration (IOM) is providing a USD 750,000 grant to the Department of Immigration and Emigration to improve document management systems, a press release issued by the IOM said yesterday.

The release also said that the Front-End image and application electronic technology is a significant milestone in a series of efforts to make migration safer under the IOM – Government of Sri Lanka Technical Cooperation on Migration (TCM) framework. It does so by introducing electronic document management systems and photo matching technology (Front Desk digital scanning of image matching End Desk document processing product) therefore reducing the space for fraudulent activities in the passport issuance service chain.

This feature will help officials by providing a reliable verification mechanism and decreasing significantly opportunities for identity theft. Its archive element will also help facilitate speedy investigation and prosecution of cases of trafficking and smuggling.

"We have joined together with IOM to find solutions to our migration management challenges and determine concrete actions especially when faced with complex identity theft issues. Our current document management system is paper-based and as such it has proven very difficult to ensure accuracy, efficiency as well as provide timely service. It also allows for many opportunities for data manipulation during application processing. Benefiting from best options in progressive technology has been one of the most important aspects of this technical assistance programme for our department" said Mr. P.B. Abeykoon, Controller General of Immigration and Emigration at the launch of the event.

The Image and Application system being introduced is part of the Technology Transfer component of the TCM framework and it is supported financially by the European Commission and the Australian Government. The Department of Immigration and Emigration by utilizing this electronic system will be able to provide faster and more reliable passport issuing services to Sri Lankan citizens.