Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Commissioner of Police that 81 cases of fake Mauritian passports were reported on 01 January 2021 to 09 July 2026, out of which two have been reported in Mauritius and 79 abroad. Of the 79 cases reported by the foreign authorities, the nationalities of only 21 holders of the fake passports have been communicated to the Passport and Immigration Office. The two cases reported in Mauritius involve two Nigerians who have been arrested and the cases are under investigation. I am tabling the details of the nationalities of the 23 holders of the fake Mauritian passports. Madam Speaker, the existing format of the Mauritian passport is in existence since 2005. Government will be introducing the biometric passport, also known as e-passport, which will be equipped with advanced encryption and anti-tampering mechanism to facilitate the verification of the identity of the passport holder. Funds have been provided for in the budget of this year for the biometric passports. My Office has already engaged with Singaporean Cooperation Enterprise under the existing Memorandum of Understanding for consultancy services on the e-passport project. The Consultant will provide quality assurance and technical advisory services. To complement the introduction of biometric passports, my Office is also working on a digital Border Management System to strengthen border security as well as to expedite the immigration clearances of passengers which will contribute to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our airport. I mentioned this last time. One component of the System will include the e-gates which complements the biometric passport in its reading to confirm that the person presenting the passport is actually the legitimate holder of that passport.

Yes. Do you have a question? No. Okay, next question then, Dr. Ms Daureeawo. I am sorry. Mr Apollon. B/1020, that is it. GOVERNMENT GAZETTE – LEGAL SUPPLEMENT – ONLINE AVAILABILITY