Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: FTI- TTP
Why in the News?
The Fast Track Immigration – Trusted Traveller Program (FTI-TTP) is set to expand to seven major Indian airports starting January 16, 2025, ensuring seamless and expedited immigration processes for Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders.
About the Fast Track Immigration Trusted Traveller Program (FTI- TTP)
- Launched under the ‘Viksit Bharat @2047’ vision, it aims to establish world-class immigration facilities and enhance international mobility.
- The Bureau of Immigration, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, is the nodal agency responsible for implementing the programme.
- It was initially introduced on June 22, 2024, at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI).
- It is targeted at Indian nationals and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cardholders in its first phase and will eventually include foreign travelers.
- Phase-Wise Implementation:
- Phase 1: Covers Indian citizens and OCI cardholders.
- Phase 2: Will extend to foreign travelers.
- The program is free of cost during its initial implementation phase.
- By 2025, the program will be operational at 21 major airports across India.
Features of the Program
- Operates through e-gates or automated border gates for faster processing.
- Travelers scan their boarding pass and passport, followed by biometric authentication, to complete the process.
- Enrollment is completed through an online portal (https://ftittp.mha.gov.in), where applicants upload their details and required documents.
- Membership is valid for a maximum of 5 years or until the passport’s validity, whichever comes first.
- Applicants must ensure their passport has a minimum six-month validity at the time of registration.
- White-listed trusted travelers undergo faster clearance while maintaining security standards.
Significance
- Reduces immigration clearance time, providing a hassle-free travel experience for international travelers.
- Biometric authentication ensures identity verification, reducing risks of fraudulent entries.
- Travelers can bypass regular queues, making the process more convenient and seamless.
- Comparable to the Global Entry Program in the United States, it aligns India’s immigration services with international standards.
PYQ:[2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only |
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