The announcement in the Union budget about the rolling out of next-generation e-passports will enhance the international travel experience of lakhs of expats and others by facilitating smooth and faster passage through immigration posts and would also make the passports more secure and tamper proof.
The new e-passports, which will have embedded chip, will be rolled out in 2022-23. The microchip will contain information about the passport holder like name, address, date of birth and other details and it is expected to facilitate quick verificationat the immigration posts across the globe. Also, the e-passports are expected to enhance security of passports, eliminate data tampering and passport forgery.
Many expatriates welcomed the decision and said that it will take India to the growing league of over 100 countries which have already upgraded from traditional passports to e-passports.