AKIPRESS.COM - A roundtable discussion on the implementation of Advance Passenger Information (API) in Kyrgyzstan, organized by the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek and the Kyrgyz State Committee for National Security, was held on 15 and 16 May 2018, in Bishkek.

The event brought together representatives from Kyrgyz state agencies involved in passenger information processing, including national security authorities, civil aviation, border and customs control officials, and IT service providers. One important purpose of the meeting was to present and discuss the draft National Roadmap to implement an API system in Kyrgyzstan.

An API system analyses biographic information about travellers before they arrive at international borders. Airlines collect API data and transmit it to the authorities in countries requiring API. The information is then analysed by the authorities in the destination country to pre-screen travellers before they arrive. This allows customs, border services, and other authorized agencies to react to incoming passengers who may be of interest. Legitimate travellers are subject to less stringent controls upon arrival as checks relating to their admissibility have already been completed using API.

At the event, the representatives of IT service providers presented their proposals for the most efficient implementation of an API system. Representatives from state authorities of the Netherlands and the United States Customs and Border Protection shared their experience and expertise in API system implementation in their respective countries. Overall, the roundtable discussion helped the Kyrgyz authorities to collect best practices and practical recommendations on an effective implementation of API.

As a signatory to United Nations Security Council Resolution 2178, the 2016 OSCE Ministerial Council Decision on Enhancing the Use of Advance Passenger Information, and Amendment 26 to the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Chicago Convention, Kyrgyzstan is obligated to implement an API system. Kyrgyzstan has demonstrated its willingness to implement an API system and enhance its airport and border security checks to meet its international obligations, especially in preventing the movement of terrorists and terrorist groups.

Previously, during April-May 2018, a feasibility study assessing the national system of external migration management and legal framework related to API was conducted. Its key findings provided the basis of the draft National Roadmap.