Luanda: The Minister of Interior, Manuel Homem, addressed the National Assembly, emphasizing that the new Angolan Passport introduces improvements in security, technological modernization, and citizen identity protection. The updated document incorporates advanced encryption mechanisms, electronic signatures, and digital certificates to ensure authenticity, reliability, and international interoperability.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the changes align Angola with the highest standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ensuring that the national passport meets the current demands for mobility, border control, and document security. Manuel Homem stated that the new model will enable the Immigration and Foreigners Service to minimize vulnerabilities, expedite procedures, and offer citizens a more modern, straightforward, and transparent service.
The minister highlighted the reforms in personal data protection by harmonizing the legislation with the Personal Data Protection Law, ensuring safer mechanisms for storing and processing information. Manuel Homem also pointed out that the introduction of different validity periods, tailored to the age of the holders, enhances administrative efficiency and ensures the document is more suited to the real needs of citizens.
He noted that the new passport reinforces state sovereignty, boosts Angola's international credibility, and increases citizens' confidence in the national identification system. The revision stems from the necessity to adapt the legislation to ICAO standards, particularly concerning the security of machine-readable travel documents.
The Diplomatic passport will be valid for 5 years, while the Ordinary passport will have varying validity: 10 years for those over 18, five years for ages 4 to 17, and three years for ages 0 to 3.
