A “Smart” system invariably means that its less cumbersome to the individual user. In the context of a Smart Border, this means balancing border security with a facilitated flow of travellers through the crossing process using a risk management-based approach. This is done by developing and implementing automated processes at the border point that include individual identification, document validity, data sharing and background checks.
Currently, most border control agencies do not have the technology to share information, request a risk profile, or examine digital identity data of border crossers in real time. The current manual and subjective procedure leaves open the very real possibility for the unlawful entry of dangerous individuals. Compounded with the travel surge in the last decade at border points, the adverse effect on the effectiveness and capability of the manual identity verification and clearance process has become overburdened with a related increase in risk factors
A Smart Border System establishes a framework that records the biometric and biographic data of all individuals entering and exiting the external borders of member states, registers all cross-border movements, checks visa validity, and conducts background checks. A Smart Border network modernizes, strengthens, secures and protects a country’s borders by automating the subjective identity verification and document authentication process for a more secure and assured border crossing operation.
The implementation of a Smart Border framework has become a necessary consequence of the increase and complexity in international border crossings. The immense task border law enforcement and intelligence agencies face are well exemplified by the numbers: In the European Union alone in 2018, airport arrivals numbered 1.1 billion, with an estimated growth rate of 4 percent per year. The International Organization for Migration estimates that there are currently 258 million migrants, with another 20 to 30 million unauthorized migrants worldwide, and estimates by the UN Refugee Agency of around 68 million forcibly displaced persons around the world. Additionally, INTERPOL estimates that over 1 billion people were able to board aircraft with fraudulent documents or without having their documents checked.
These numbers bear out the formidable task border agencies have in accomplishing their mission and fulfilling their core objectives – facilitating legitimate border crossings while identifying unlawful movements.
Top Ten Reasons to Use Smart Border Technology
We are now facing a completely new reality when it comes to accepting travellers. Smart Border systems aim to find the best human-centric technological solutions for controlling events at crossing points. While some countries, such as the nations in the Schengen bloc, are setting up timetables for implementing Smart Borders systems, current events are making Smart Border technology an imperative for national security at multiple levels. The viability of these systems has been proven and the time to modernize is upon us.