People like passport stamps. That could be a blocker. I dont think they will let you stamp you own pasport - but there is no reason whey a smart passport stamper could not be deployed, with the smarts to recognise what page to insert and using imaging, stamp next, not over the exit stamp.
Hmmm, I hope Customs gets to hear of the feedback and makes it easier cheaper and more personalised.
There is no reason, when the new single signon to government services is introduced, that a frequent flyer can log on the Customs site, and view his/her own entry and exit dates, as well as electronic visa and other data exchanges that took place, This may take longer than anticipated, based on the container project experience. Hell, there may even be dumb cough who could enter 2nd and 3rd passport trips in, for a chance at some prize.
Someone asked why would passenger batching be different to the counter process they already have in place. First, understand, that the powers that be would LOVE to get rid of their important front line officers, and just herd passengers, like cattle through electronic corrals.
The difference is the human counter officer does about 60 checks! Yes, 60.
He looks and feels the passport. He looks for undesirable country stamps aka insurgent training areas. The boom in LLC's means you can go somewhere else, and the aussie govt. may not find out. Some innocent question, checks your accent, accesses how shifty or nervous you may be. Lots of things, and maybe dirty shoes or long hair and glazed eyes for quarantine.
With electronic cattle gates, I imagine the prospensity to lie will be higher, not on identity, by with homeland munchies, seeds and salami, as you know you will not be looking into the eyes of a person.
The move is towards a British self service supermarket checkout, where you scan your own goods. Making YOU, scan you own passport saves 35 seconds, as well as eliminating fumble for it time. Response time, another 10 seconds. Another 20 secs lost on entry card. All these seconds add up.
Someone suggested to customs that a frequent flyer could simply SMS his entry card details has soon as all luggage was claimed, doing away with arrival and quarantine cards (most everyone has a mobile) , but the lawyers said noooo, they gotta read the fine print, sign , excuse ... Never mind the fact that the phones IMEMI fingerprint,is another check.
If you think about the problem, they are expecting a face to go out of the gates 30 mins or so after landing. Face scanning sounds nice, but it is the SYSTEM that needs changing, so that low risk passengers can be got rid of quicker. As much as they would like to bleat about it, face scanning only saves about 6 seconds, so this electronic bit, is not particularly cost effective.
Sample AFF with no advertisements? More..
