ABEDNEGO DAVIS
Africa-Press – Liberia. Liberia is set to revolutionize its immigration system by introducing biometric residence permits for foreign nationals.
This move comes as a way to address the challenges faced by foreigners in obtaining their legal documents in the country. The announcement was made by Cllr. Frank Musah Dean, Minister of Justice, during the launch at the Liberian Immigration Service (LIS) offices on October 9.
Minister Dean emphasized that the implementation of this project would significantly reduce waiting times for business people, foreign residents, and partners in acquiring their necessary documents. The introduction of biometric permits will also ensure the smooth regulation of the movement of people while prioritizing security.
Highlighting the broader security reforms since the conclusion of the long civil war, Minister Dean stressed that the government is dedicated to upholding high standards within its security agencies, including respect for human rights and adherence to the rule of law. The introduction of biometric residence permits is a testament to these efforts.
Expressing pride in the achievement, Minister Dean assured the Liberian Immigration Service of the Ministry’s continued support while urging them to strive for further improvement.
In addition to enhancing security measures, Commissioner General Robert W. Budy of the LIS highlighted the revenue-generating capacity of these biometric permits. He estimated that the LIS would increase its annual revenue from $5 million to $7 million through the implementation of this new system.
Budy also revealed that the project was made possible through a partnership with Contec Global Limited, a technology company. Over the years, the LIS has been working towards modernizing its services for the alien community, transitioning from manual booklets and forms to digitization.
In a significant development, the LIS has embarked on digitizing airport visas on arrival and re-entry permits. Budy emphasized that prior to this initiative, the use of biometric technology had been absent within the LIS’s service provision for foreign nationals.
The decision to introduce biometric residence permits was based on a joint research effort conducted by the LIS and the Ministry of Labor, which revealed the need for digital technology upgrades within Liberia’s migration system. Previously, all aspects of migration administration, such as residence permits, work permits, and visa on arrival, were handled manually. The introduction of biometric permits marks a crucial step in addressing this technological lag.
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