The move comes as Lao PDR, like many countries worldwide, grapples with increasing threats from document forgery linked to transnational crimes such as human trafficking, smuggling, and illegal migration. Manual inspections, officials say, are no longer effective in identifying sophisticated forgeries and are prone to errors and delays.

To strengthen its border security, the Lao Immigration Police, in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Australian Department of Home Affairs, is deploying Regula 4306 spectral imaging comparators at Wattay Airport  the country’s primary aviation gateway.

Regula’s advanced devices are capable of verifying ID documents from 251 countries and territories. With over 40 light sources and 18 filters, the technology allows border officers to analyze complex security features such as holograms, watermarks, microprinting, and optically variable elements.

Airport officials have undergone specialized training from Regula experts to operate the new equipment effectively.

“Integrating Regula devices into Lao border management operations is a key step in the fight against serious crimes such as human trafficking and irregular migration,” said Shareen Tuladhar, IOM Head of Delegation in Lao PDR.

The technology also includes Regula’s Document Reader SDK, which enables automated document verification. It can instantly read and validate machine-readable zones (MRZs), RFID chips, barcodes, and even invisible personal information (IPI), significantly reducing reliance on manual checks and minimizing the risk of human error.

With this technological upgrade, Lao PDR aims to enhance the integrity and efficiency of its border control system, ensuring a safer and more secure travel environment.

KPL