VIDEO: Immigration acquires high-tech security kit

The Directorate of Immigration and Emigration has received a set of computers fully installed with a modern high-tech programme used to prevent illegal migration, combat human trafficking and terrorism, among others.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Robert SSebudandi, an IT engineer at the Kigali International Airport immigration section, demonstrates how the Edison Database Programme operates yesterday. (Doreen Umutesi)

The Directorate of Immigration and Emigration has received a set of computers fully installed with a modern high-tech programme used to prevent illegal migration, combat human trafficking and terrorism, among others.

Video: Kigali International Airport New System Against Terrorism. Source: The New Times/YouTube

The Edison Database Programme, from the Repatriation and Departure Service, The Netherlands, was handed to immigration officials by Leoni Cuelenaere, the Dutch ambassador to Rwanda.

Amb. Cuelenaere and  Director Kalibata exchanging ideas.

In a brief handover ceremony at the Directorate’s offices at Kigali International Airport, yesterday, Amb. Cuelenaere said that, "The tool is extremely important to enhance the capacity of your services; safeguarding borders, preventing illegal migration, combating human trafficking and fighting against international terrorism.”

The envoy said safe border control system in every country is in everybody’s interests, adding that the exchange of services between the two countries will help strengthen bilateral cooperation.

(L-R)Leoni Cuelenaere, the Dutch ambassador to Rwanda asks a question about Edison systems as Anaclet Kalibata, the Director General of Immigration and Emigration and Robert Ssebudandi look on.

The Edison Database is used worldwide by governments, police services and criminal investigation procedure.

The programme makes it possible to store, identify, describe and control high resolution images of residents’ permits, international passports and other travel documents.

The Director-General of Immigration and Emigration, Anaclet Kalibata, said the system had been anxiously awaited in Rwandan.

On the far right,Erwin Pyffers, Senior Coordinator Africa Middle East Immigration and Nationalization services Netherlands explains further how the system operates.

"I am glad we have acquired the system; it is going to help us on the wider concept of emigration, in terms of curbing crime, including using counterfeit travel documents, human trafficking and terrorism,” said Kalibata.

The Edison Database Programme, which was developed by the Police of the Kingdom of The Netherlands, has more than 180 samples of travel documents from around the world.

Officials from Rwanda and the Netherlands took official photos after witnessing the Edison system in action.(All photos by Doreen Umutesi)

The Directorate of Immigration and Emigration is, on the other side, expected give basic technicalities regarding the online visa applications to The Netherlands.

"I am convinced that our two sister agencies will continue to benefit from this cooperation,” Amb. Cuelenaere said.

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