In a pivotal move to enhance national security and facilitate travel for its citizens, the government of Saint Kitts and Nevis has announced the launch of a new ePassport system (ePICS) set to be implemented in November 2024. This announcement follows a visit by a delegation from the Ministry of National Security of Saint Kitts and Nevis to Canada to meet with officials from Canadian Bank Note Company.
Sheldon Jeffers, Head of the Immigration Department of Saint Kitts and Nevis, stated, “This transformation will not only make processes less reliant on paper, but will also introduce a new design for ePassport’s featuring advanced security features that reflect the culture, history, and landmarks of Saint Kitts and Nevis.”
Jeffers added that with the introduction of the new design and polycarbonate data page, the government proudly announces its entry into the ICAO Public Key Directory (PKD), becoming the newest member among 193 countries globally and the third Caribbean nation to join the system.
Glenroy Blanchette, Permanent Secretary of Saint Kitts and Nevis, explained that these updates to the passports and issuance systems comply with ICAO Document 9303, which sets global standards for machine-readable travel documents, thus enhancing the safety and efficiency of international travel.
The ICAO Public Key Directory (PKD) is a crucial tool to ensure the secure global operation of ePassport’s. This system allows for real-time passport authentication at both national and international levels, boosting security by verifying the digital information stored in the passport’s electronic chip.
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