The Kingdom of Bahrain is modernising its borders, adopting an end-to-end ePassport solution powered by HID Global. HID’s solution will enable the Gulf nation to take a significant step in its identity journey by moving from a machine-readable passport (MRP) to an electronic passport. The solution will be supported by HID’s chip operating system SOMA and HID Integrale, a modular ID system for enrollment, personalisation and issuance of identity documents.
The chip in the ePassport will store biometric and biographic information of Bahraini citizens, increasing its security and trustworthiness worldwide. As a result of this deployment, Bahrain can join ICAO’s Public Key Directory (PKD) group of 180 countries that can access and exchange passport information. Countries participating in the ICAO PKD can share cryptographic keys that allow them to access and read chip data. Through the ePassport, Bahraini travellers can apply for visas, simplify the immigration process, and use automated border control systems like eGates for a safer and easier travel experience.
“HID is proud to help support Bahrain’s vision for citizens to travel more easily and securely,” said Craig Sandness, Senior Vice President and Head of Secure Issuance and Citizen ID Solutions.” We have a long-standing relationship with the Kingdom of Bahrain, and we look forward to extending it by delivering a full end-to-end ePassport solution.”
The new Bahraini ePassport has been designed to have the highest security level, including the passport holder’s colour portrait and HID’s unique security feature Mirage. The state-of-the-art feature protects the document’s structure and the holder’s portrait, helping to prevent counterfeiting and fraudulent alteration. At the same time, it is quick and easy to authenticate for border control officers as the citizen’s portrait disappears to reveal a watermark when viewed against transmitted light. Mirage combines five security methods, making it extremely difficult to reproduce.
The passport’s design reflects the country’s rich culture and history. Bahrain is working with HID’s award-winning design team, which has won various awards for the identity solutions provided to Estonia, Malta, Tanzania, Ireland, and Argentina.
