Local security authorities are planning to introduce iris recognition techniques to checkpoints between Macau and neighbouring Zhuhai later this year, the office for the secretary for security revealed.
The new biometric identification method is expected to come within the year, according to a written reply from the office to lawmaker Leong Sun Iok’s enquiry.
However, no specific timeline for the measure was provided.
The security authorities say that travellers will no longer need to provide their fingerprints on their way across the border by the time the measure is implemented.
As early as last year during a plenary meeting with legislators, Secretary for security Wong Sio Chak had already hinted that border crossers would – in the near future – be able to complete part of the land-based immigration procedure between the Chinese mainland and the city using the Macao One Account – a mobile application on which a local resident has to register his or her identity to become a user.
In other words, verified users of the mobile application will only have to flash their mobile phones to go through the local checkpoint.
It was said that the first phase of the work would begin at the Border Gate checkpoint, while a feasibility study would take place for the Hengqin checkpoint.
Macao One Account users can now show their driving licence on the mobile app.
