Maldives Customs Service is working with the World Customs Organisation in establishing a travel assessment system to obtain information on the passengers who enters the country.
The project is being conducted under the organisation's ' Global Travel Assessment System' (GTAS) with assistance from the American Customs and Boarder Protection (CBP).
Customs stated that a team of experts from the World Customs Organisation came to Maldives from June 17 to 25 to establish the system and train its users. Officers from Maldives Customs Service, Maldives Police Service, Maldives Immigration and Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) took part in the training..
Customs informed that the first stages of establishing the system have now been completed. While some airlines can now exchange passenger information prior to their arrival, the system will be fully established by the year 2020. After completion, all information on passengers travelling to and fro from the Maldives will be available through the system to relevant authorities.
The system will play a big role in maintaining the safety and protection of the Maldives. It will also help customs identify high risk passengers and pay special attention to such passengers. It will also enhance the baggage checking process.
