Border agencies around the world, including Australia, are rapidly working towards creating a system whereby travellers will no longer have to present their passport to either an official or a passport kiosk.

The Australian Government announced in January 2017, that by 2020, it wanted a system in place whereby 90% of travellers would be processed automatically. Based on biometrics and artificial intelligence, the responsibility for all of the financial, capability and IT infrastructure rests with the Department of Home Affairs. Whether this timeline of 2020 is accurate, and whether it will be a priority of the re-elected Morrison Government, remains to be seen.

As well as the benefits of streamlining the processing of a majority of “low-risk” travellers, recent delays at Australian international airports also highlight the risks, the economic costs and security implications, when there is technological disruption.

Ajuria Lawyers will follow developments with interest and will provide updates.

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