KUALA LUMPUR - The Bureau of Immigration (BI) is set to spend P1.5 billion (USD25 million) to install 47 electronic gates at international airports outside Metro Manila.

The BI said it signed a contract worth at least P1.5 billion with travel technology company Amadeus for the expansion and upgrade of e-gates across the country.

BI Spokesperson, Dana Sandoval said the deal covers 47 e-gates and 57 biometric devices for manned immigration counters.

Immigration Commissioner, Joel Anthony Viado said the contract, signed on December 22, will provide upgraded e-gates that are scheduled to be rolled out starting next year.

The project is part of the BI’s Bagong Immigration agenda, which focuses on modernisation, efficiency, and secure yet traveler-friendly border management.

“President Marcos has made it clear that modernization of government services is not optional, it is imperative.

“The expansion of e-gates is a concrete step toward building a faster, smarter and more secure immigration system that supports economic growth while safeguarding our borders. This is in line with the Bagong Pilipinas envisioned by the President,” Viado said.

Once installed, the e-gates will speed up travel document processing and help reduce passenger queues at airports.

The technology will also allow the BI to detect individuals on alert lists or linked to suspicious activities.

“With the aid of advanced technology, our immigration officers are able to perform mission-critical functions more effectively. 

“Automation allows us to focus our personnel on higher-level assessment and enforcement, while routine processing becomes faster and more accurate,” Viado said.

The e-gates project aims to upgrade and replace existing facilities to improve the experience of travelers at the country’s entry and exit points.