The rapid growth in global travel and increasing threats to public security have led to the development of new biometric and digital technologies designed to improve border and migration services. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES), set to replace the manual stamping of passports in October, will automate the registration of travellers from third countries at EU external borders. By registering fingerprints, facial images, and entry/exit information, the EES aims to enhance border checks, prevent irregular migration, and improve security. However, the implementation of the EES is expected to pose operational challenges for EU member states, including a more complex border flow, increased processing times, infrastructure pressures, and interoperability issues. Some authorities have considered implementing National Facilitation Programmes to expedite processing for low-risk travellers, while others have prioritized the installation of self-enrolment kiosk technology at border control points.
In order to address the challenges posed by the EES, EU member states may consider collaborating with external service providers with biometric enrolment capabilities to pre-register travellers to the EU. This approach has been previously utilized when biometric technology created strains on consular resources for visa issuance services. External providers assisted in handling tasks such as biometric enrolment and visa application administration, alleviating staffing, infrastructure, and financial pressures while streamlining processes. By working with external service providers, EU member states can potentially mitigate some of the operational challenges posed by the EES and ensure a smoother experience for third-country nationals travelling to the EU.
The collaboration with external providers for biometric enrolment and visa services has become a common practice for many governments around the world facing operational pressures in border and migration management. This partnership has proved beneficial in easing staffing, infrastructure, and financial constraints while enhancing the efficiency and security of border and migration services. The implementation of the EES is expected to enhance border control and migration management; however, it may also present significant operational challenges for EU member states that could impact the experience of travellers at border crossing points. External service providers could play a key role in facilitating a streamlined process for third-country nationals travelling to the EU, particularly in light of the changes brought about by the EES.
Tony Mercer, a former UK senior civil servant specializing in border, migration, and identity management, emphasizes the importance of addressing the operational challenges that may arise with the implementation of the EES. While the new system is expected to enhance security and improve border checks, it is crucial for EU member states to be proactive in adapting their processes to ensure a smooth transition and minimize disruptions for travellers. The involvement of external service providers with expertise in biometric enrolment could offer valuable support in managing the complexities of the EES and maintaining the efficiency of border and migration services. By exploring partnerships with trusted external providers, EU member states can leverage their capabilities to enhance the overall effectiveness of the EES and ensure a positive experience for all travellers entering the EU.
