EU Proposes Entry-Exit System to Boost Border Control Efficiency

The European Commission proposed on Wednesdayto establish an entry-exit system to make faster, easier and stronger the border checksfor non-EU nationals travelling to the bloc.

"The legislative proposal is part of the broader 'Smart Borders Package', addressing the role of information systems in enhancing external border management, internal security and the fight against terrorism and organised crime," the EU executive body said in a statement.

The rationale behind the proposal is to improve the quality and efficiency of controls and support member states in tackling the increasing numbers of travellers entering and exiting the EU, the Commission added.

The system will register the name, type of travel document and biometrics and the date and place of entry and exit which will help detect over-stayers and identify undocumented persons in the free-travel Schengen area. The system will also record refusals of entry.

Migration Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos commented in the statement: "The use of new technologies can help manage the flow of travellers arriving at our external borders, while at the same time tackling irregular migration and enhancing our internal security."

The proposed system will allow for the effective management of authorised short-stays, increased automation at border-controls, and improved detection of document and identity fraud, according to the Commission.

The system will apply to all non-EU citizens who are admitted for a short stay in the Schengen area (maximum 90 days in any 180-day period).