From Planet Biometrics
A biometric entry pilot that is launching in South Africa will get underway at the country’s OR Tambo airport before the end of November, according to senior officials.
Mayihlome Tshwete, spokesperson for the Department of Home Affairs, said the process would run at OR Tambo International Airport's immigration counters from 1 December 2015.
The pilot is part of the department’s project to modernise its Enhanced Movement Control System (EMCS) at all ports of entry.
The DHA intends to have biometric capability permanently enabled on all arrival and transit counters at OR Tambo International by the end of November, and at Durban's King Shaka International Airport and Cape Town International Airport before March 2016, Tshwete said.
The government decided to implement biometric technology at all borders after complaints that new visa regulations were denting tourism arrivals.
Indeed, following requirements that required visa application to visit a South African mission in person so biometric data can be compiled, Chinese arrivals dropping by 45 percent in 2014, compared to 2013.