As of today, Guinea-Bissau has a new border control system, with the adaptation and installation of the Portuguese PASSE computer system at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport, linked to the international database.
The new border control system is considered a step towards a new era in border control in the African country by Portugal and the European Union, the funders and those responsible for implementing the equipment and training.
The system was implemented within the scope of the GESTDOC project - Modernization and Strengthening of the Identification and Document Security Chain in Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau, funded by the European Union and managed and co-financed by Portugal, through Camões, Institute for Cooperation and Language.
The Portuguese ambassador to Guinea-Bissau, Miguel Silvestre, explained, at the launch session, at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport, in Bissau, that it is "a computerized passenger control system that allows for the optimization of entry and exit procedures, by strengthening security and increasing the detection of fraud cases".
This system can be used to check "all types of passports, identity cards, residence permits and visas, including reading the information stored in the 'chips' of these documents", he said.
"In practical terms, the border control system, which is being launched today, is the result of the adaptation to Guinea-Bissau of the PASSE system, an acronym that stands for Automatic and Secure Passage of Exits and Entries, the source code for which was provided by Portugal's internal security system", he added.
On the Portuguese side, the installation initially received technical support from the now-defunct Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) and, subsequently, from Portugal's Internal Security System (SSI), as well as the Portuguese Judicial Police (PJ).
The General Directorate of Migration and Borders of Guinea-Bissau received computer equipment to operate the system, namely eleven optical document readers, a server, an intranet and 16 computers.
The ambassador added that training was provided to all employees working at Bissau International Airport and at other borders in the country, totaling 54 agents.
Training in document analysis and fraud detection was also provided to 65 employees.
Miguel Silvestre stressed that the new resources will allow "document and identity checks to be carried out quickly, simply and securely, encouraging mobility and reducing document fraud".
For Portuguese diplomacy, the border control system now in operation will also contribute "to increasing the country's international credibility in terms of border control".
The European Union (EU) ambassador to Guinea-Bissau, Artis Bertulis, considered that "this moment symbolizes the beginning of a new era for border management" in Guinea-Bissau.
"The new system represents a significant technological advance that enhances security and efficiency in passenger control, with an international database and modern tools for detecting irregularities. Travel to Guinea-Bissau is now safer, more reliable and aligned with global border management standards," he stressed.
For the EU representative, "this project is more than just technology, it is about security, development and trust", because by strengthening the borders, "an environment favorable to economic growth and sustainable development is being created, benefiting local and regional communities".
The Director-General for Migration and Borders, Lino Leal da Silva, thanked the partners for their support and called for continued support so that the country can respond to global challenges.
