Airport Immigration – Amit Shah Sets 2027 Target for State FRRO Offices
Airport Immigration –Airport Immigration – Airport Immigration – Union Home Minister Amit Shah has directed that Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) facilities should be established at the headquarters of every state by 2027, as part of a wider effort to strengthen immigration services and improve airport operations.
Shah reviewed immigration procedures, passenger amenities and security systems at major airports during a meeting with Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and senior officials from several government agencies.
Expansion of immigration services
India currently has 12 FRRO offices in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Amritsar, Goa, Kozhikode, Thiruvananthapuram and Lucknow. These offices handle registration and related services for foreign nationals visiting or residing in the country.
The meeting also discussed the need to begin authorised immigration operations at Agartala airport and Jewar airport in Noida at the earliest. The move is expected to support growing international travel and improve access to immigration services in additional regions.
Senior representatives from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Intelligence Bureau, Central Industrial Security Force, Airports Authority of India and other agencies attended the review.
Focus on trusted traveller programme
Shah called for wider awareness of the Fast Track Immigration-Trusted Travellers’ Programme, also known as FTI-TTP. The programme is intended to make immigration clearance more convenient for eligible passengers through a faster processing system.
He suggested that airlines work with authorities to send WhatsApp messages to travellers when they book international tickets. The messages would encourage passengers to register for the programme before their journey.
Officials believe that better communication at the booking stage could help increase participation in the trusted traveller initiative and reduce pressure on regular immigration counters during busy travel periods.
Technology upgrades at airports
The Home Minister also directed the phased installation of the Automatic Tray Retrieval System, or ATRS, at airports across India. The system is designed to automate the movement of security screening trays and may help reduce the need for manual handling at checkpoints.
He asked authorities to frame suitable standards so that ATRS facilities are included in the planning of new airports. The government also plans to expand baggage drop services beyond the 16 major airports where the facility is currently available.
International airports with heavy passenger traffic are expected to be considered first for the baggage drop expansion. The measure is aimed at shortening waiting times at check-in areas and improving the overall travel experience.
Plan for smoother passenger movement
Shah said a coordinated approach was needed at every stage of the airport journey, including entry points, check-in counters, security screening lanes and immigration desks. He asked officials to prepare a framework that considers how each of these areas affects the others.
The objective is to prevent bottlenecks at one point from causing delays elsewhere in the terminal. Airport operators and security agencies have been asked to work together to maintain a steady flow of passengers, particularly during peak travel hours.
The Civil Aviation Ministry and the CISF were also instructed to separately commission third-party assessments during the busiest travel season. These studies will examine delays at key airport touchpoints and recommend ways to reduce waiting time.
Development priorities and security standards
Shah said work underway at airports should be completed within the next two years. He also asked officials to prioritise 21 airports currently being developed and another 41 airports based on passenger demand.
The projects must follow security requirements set by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security while improving passenger convenience. Commercial spaces at airports should also remain within approved limits, according to the directions issued during the meeting.
The aviation ministry has additionally been asked to establish norms for the number of aerobridges required at airports, taking into account both passenger volumes and aircraft movement.