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Dubai: The airline community has condemned the latest US Government proposal that will make biometric exit procedures mandatory for all non-US citizens exiting the US, further complicating travel in and out of the US.
The proposed rule, to be enacted later this year, requires "commercial air carriers and vessel owners and operators to collect and transmit the biometric exit information to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), in conjunction with passenger manifest information already being collected and submitted by the carriers no later than 24 hours after air carrier staff secure the aircraft doors on an international departure, or for sea travel, no later than 24 hours after the vessel's departure from a US port".
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has criticised the move. "The US Government plan would require airlines to invest billions in new equipment and the staff to operate it," IATA said in a statement, which has been obtained by Gulf News.
Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's director-general and chief executive, said: "Border protection and immigration are government responsibilities. Airline counter staff are not a substitute for trained border patrol officers. And outsourcing exit formalities to airlines is not a responsible approach."
The UAE-based carriers said they already maintain a high level of security. "Emirates operates under the authority of regulatory bodies of the aviation industry and of the governments of countries in which it operates services," a spokesperson said.
"As an airline and a member of industry, we intend to follow these discussions and will work with all parties to ensure that our policies are compliant with local and international laws, and meet the best interest of our passengers."
Travellers from the Middle East have been subject to stringent security checks and harassment at the US airports since September 11.
"Why is Customs and Border Protection not working with its sister agency to combine the exit process into an automated solution that is both convenient and effective?" Bisignani asked.
An Etihad spokesperson said: "We share the view of IATA that border protection and immigration are not the responsibility of the airline industry. These proposals will only be counter-productive."
Will this discourage you from travelling to the US? Do you know any other country that has similar security measures in their airports? Where?
Your comments
.I really dont understand the rush of the people to go to the US.The US considers itself as somekind of un attainable destination.With half the states not even considered safe for living. you wont get a place as safe and vibrant at the same time as Dubai.
Deepak
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 28, 2008, 13:36
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