Within the framework of the EU-funded IOM-implemented project “Support for Migration and Asylum Management in Ukraine” (IMMIS), a working visit to “Boryspil” airport took place on 22 October 2020. The aim of the visit was to present selected results of th

Within the framework of the EU-funded IOM-implemented project “Support for Migration and Asylum Management in Ukraine” (IMMIS), a working visit to “Boryspil” airport took place on 22 October 2020. The aim of the visit was to present selected results of the project.

Among the participants of the visit were the Head of the State Border Protection Department of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine, Leonid Baran, the Head of Operations “Good Governance and Democratisation” of the EU Delegation to Ukraine, Xavier Camus, IMMIS Project Managers Mark Richmond and Jan Segerberg as well as representatives of the Ministry for Digital Transformation of Ukraine.

During the visit, there were demonstrations of the innovative IT systems, developed within the IMMIS project, namely:

“Facial recognition” system, which automatically matches a traveller’s photo, captured during the border control process, with his/her image in the passport’s biometric data chip. This system significantly reduces the risk of entering a given country using forged travel documents. Currently, such a sophisticated system is operational in only a few countries in Europe, including Ukraine.

“Advance passenger information system”, which provides an opportunity to verify the personal data information of a person travelling to Ukraine in the existing databases of SBGS and Interpol immediately after check-in for the flight. The system facilitates the prompt and effective responses of the respective state agencies when a person of interest is detected.

“Gart-5” system - an automated modernised database of offences committed at a particular border checkpoint/border area. The modernisation allows for the identification of foreign offenders using biometric data, which is undoubtedly one of the most reliable methods to identify a person.

During the visit, the representatives of the EU, IOM and UA government,  were also able to discuss the current results of the project and plans for further developments and upgrades of the systems.

The parties acknowledged the progress of the project and successful deployment of the IT systems. These systems modernise the management of the migration flows in Ukraine. The respective state agencies are thus using automated and digital tools comparable with the most advanced EU countries. Migration is facilitated and the level of security is elevated as modern IT solutions provide automated online data exchange, including biometric data, between the governments agencies involved in migration management.

The IMMIS project, with a total budget of 27,2 million euros, has been implemented since December 2016.