In this direction, as per the changes proposed by the Ministry of External Affairs, the new Indian passports will henceforth contain phantom images of the passport holder in addition to the photographs currently appearing in the documents.
“We have decided to introduce additional security features like an additional ghost image and double lamination. New passports have been issued with one ghost photograph which will contain embedded details. The ghost photo in the passport will make it more secure and tamper-proof,” said Mr Lokesh.
Phantom image
A phantom or watermark image is similar to Mahatma Gandhi's watermarked image that can be seen on the Indian currencies of 500 and 1,000 denominations. In addition, the passport holder's personal details have moved from the back cover to page two in the new passports. Other particulars of the passport holder have been shifted from the first page to page 35.
Along with the ghost photograph, the personal details of the passport holder will be embedded in the passport to make it difficult to duplicate or tamper with. Passport offices in India and the country's overseas embassies and consulates have already started issuing the new passport, which has reduced number of pages and repositioning of some of the pages.
The signature and seal of the passport issuing authority (earlier on the first page) will now be on the overleaf of the front cover. Double laminations are a new security feature in the passports which will prevent the ink on the pages from disappearing. All the existing passports will be replaced only on their expiry.
The new changes have been introduced in view of several instances of misuse and duplication of passports from various places including the UAE.
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