Rwanda formally launches automated immigration control for nationals

(eTN) – The test phase successfully concluded, saw the automated passenger arrival system for Rwandese nationals now formally launched at Kigali’s Kanombe International Airport.

(eTN) – The test phase successfully concluded, saw the automated passenger arrival system for Rwandese nationals now formally launched at Kigali’s Kanombe International Airport. Four years of developments and a significant investment in technology, along with a trial phase reported here a few months ago, have now yielded the wanted results, and the process of returning home can now be accomplished by Rwandans with simply swiping their passport through the reader, provide a thumbprint at the gate, and within 17 seconds, the process is completed without stamps or having to fill out immigration cards.

The groundbreaking new technology is the first of its kind across the East African Community and, in fact, thought to be a first for Africa, too, once again putting Rwanda on top of the leader board.

Present at the launch was the Minister in the President’s office and notably RwandAir CEO John Mirenge, who reportedly took the opportunity to say: “This new technology will enable passengers move swiftly through immigration procedures and it is important that all the other services within the airport follow suit in quickening their services,” – a reminder to constantly improve the quality of handling and customer service at all levels.

It is understood from a regular aviation source in Kigali that RwandAir, which is also the only handling company at the airport, is working hand in hand with other partners to improve the service delivery at the airport, also making heavy investments, while at the same time waiting for the decision to award the contract for the construction of the new, state-of-the-art Bugesera International Airport, to which operations will shift when complete some time in 2016.

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Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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