The government of Panama has chosen the consortium led by Morpho (Safran group) and comprised of Thomas Greg & Sons, a secure printing firm, and IAFIS, Morpho’s biometric projects arm in Latin America, to supply e-Passports. Morpho is a provider of electronic documents and identity management solutions.
Under the contract, Morpho will supply biometric enrollment stations for capturing photographs, fingerprints and signatures of passport applicants. The contract also includes the provision of a identity management and document personalisation system to ensure secure issuance of e-Passports. The company will ensure maintenance of the system over a five-year period.
The e-Passports will feature laser-engraved data pages made of polycarbonate, the most resistant material on the market according to the French firm. They will enable Panama to safeguard against identity theft, protecting privacy and ensuring secure identification of passport holders, the company says.
“We chose Morpho based on its sound experience in identity management, biometrics and secure electronic documents. This is a key project for Panama and we are confident in Morpho’s ability to deliver a secure solution that meets industry standards,” said Carmen A. Bernárdez, Panama’s National Passport Director.
“Morpho has delivered advanced biometric systems in 18 Latin American countries to date. We are very enthusiastic about supporting Panama’s government in its move to implement a modern and highly secure passport solution”, added Jean-Paul Jainsky, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Morpho. The first passports are expected to be issued in early 2013.
