The Centre is working on developing a secure and integrated service delivery framework to ensure the entry of only the legitimate travellers to the Indian subcontinent. Ministries of Tourism and Home are working on implementing a project on Immigration, Visa and Foreigners’ Registration and Tracking (IVFRT) to strengthen security systems.
“While we want foreign footfalls to increase as it boosts our economy, we also have to be very careful about the people entering our shores,” said a senior official from the ministry of tourism.
“This process of filtering and tracking all international tourists will only help in strengthening our security and also boost the confidence of incoming foreign tourists. Untoward incidents of terrorism activities have so far, battered the country’s image but this move will encourage the entry of only the genuine travellers,” said the official.
According to officials, IVFRT project has a global outreach since the scope of the project seeks to network 169 Indian Missions abroad, Immigration Check Posts in India and Foreigner Registration Offices (FROs).
The project, which will cost the government close to Rs 1011 crore will help authenticate traveller’s identity at the Missions, Immigration Check Posts, FROs through use of intelligent document scanners and biometrics, online registration of foreigners at the time of grant of visa and automated updation of the particulars of the foreigners at entry and exit points, improved tracking of foreigners, software aided passenger profiling etc.
“Under this project, visa application forms have been standardised and integrated online visa application system for visa applicants has so far been implemented in 120 Indian Missions abroad,” said the official.