Celebratory Event Marks Milestone: 15 Millionth Security Pass Officially Presented after 15 Years
The Austrian government marked a significant milestone in its commitment to secure and reliable travel documents with the presentation of the 15 millionth biometric security passport. The event, which took place on June 16, 2006, signified the introduction of a new generation of passports designed to combat identity fraud and improve border control efficiency.
Federal Minister Gerhard Karner and OeSD General Director Helmut Lackner presided over the ceremony, handing the milestone passport to Mrs. Barbara R. from Waldviertel at the Ministry of the Interior. Mrs. R. was chosen as the recipient of this historic passport, marking a momentous occasion in her life and in Austria's passport history.
The new generation of Austrian passports is equipped with advanced security features, including the embedding of RFID chips storing biometric data such as facial images and fingerprints. This technology, combined with machine-readable technology, facilitates secure and efficient identity verification. The passports also comply with the European Commission's technical specifications for biometric passports, ensuring they meet stringent security standards.
The biometric data combination aims to provide an unrivaled level of protection against identity fraud and counterfeit documents, aligning with European Union regulations that require machine-readable facial images and fingerprint biometrics for passports issued by Schengen Area countries (except Ireland and Denmark).
The Austrian government has emphasised the importance of cross-sectoral cooperation in ensuring the security of its passports. This collaboration between the Ministry of the Interior, the Federal Criminal Police Office, and the Austrian government's official website is instrumental in maintaining the high level of security in Austrian passports.
Since December 2023, only passports of the new generation have been issued to Austrian citizens, reflecting the government's dedication to providing its citizens with secure travel documents. The 15 millionth passport, presented this year, is part of this ongoing effort to enhance passport security standards.
The event was captured by BMI ©MAKOWECZ, marking a memorable moment in Austria's passport history. The 15 millionth security passport serves as a testament to Austria's commitment to maintaining a secure and reliable travel document system for its citizens.
The Austrian government's dedication to the new generation of passports extends to the incorporation of cutting-edge technology, such as the embedding of RFID chips storing biometric data, in order to facilitate secure and efficient identity verification within the sphere of finance and business. This advanced technology, complying with European Union regulations, aims to offer an unmatched level of protection against identity fraud and counterfeit documents in the realm of technology.
