Additional automated border control kiosks to be purchased

Cabinet has given approval for US$1.3 million from the airport improvement fees collected at the island's two major international airports to be used to acquire additional automated border-control kiosks.

Minister of Education, Youth and Information Ruel Reid made the disclosure at the post-Cabinet press briefing at Jamaica House on Wednesday.

Reid said the money will also be used to upgrade existing kiosks for use by the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA).

The automated kiosks, which have been installed at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James, have significantly reduced the processing of airline passengers.

The kiosk project involves partnership with PICA, through the Ministry of National Security, to reduce congestion at Immigration and Customs during peak periods.