The Bureau of Immigration (BoI) is likely to stop the use of traditional passport stamps by next year and replace them with “invisible stamps” used by other countries.
The bureau will use the German-made Extens SmartStamp, which will automatically scan and print immigration stamps on passports. The stamp will not be visible to the naked eye, reported Manila Times.
“If plans push through, this modern stamp-free clearance system will save much time,” BoI Port Operations Division chief Marc Red Marinas reportedly said.
Marinas was quoted as saying that modernization of the bureau’s processing system would also help stop syndicates who fabricate immigration stamps to send illegal workers abroad, particularly the Middle East.
BI officials were earlier sent to Canada to examine the equipment. By early next year, officials and technicians from Extens SmartStamp will come to Manila to study the BoI data system at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Many Filipino jobseekers abroad have fallen victims of those supplying fake immigration stamps. Marinas disclosed that around 400 Filipino travelers were stopped at the NAIA terminal 3 and other airports in the country in the past administration because of fake immigration stamps, the report said.
They were turned over to the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking for proper investigation.
Non-stamping of passports has been the system in Hong Kong since 2013 and in Europe.
In Hong Kong immigration, the system was changed to improve efficiency and prevent mistakes. Upon arrival, passengers are issued a slip, which contains the conditions of stay in the former British Colony, reported Manila Times.
