OSCE helps Kyrgyzstan to develop legal framework for Advance Passenger Information (API) system

On 30 November, the OSCE Programme Office in Bishkek in partnership with the State Committee for National Security (SCNS) held a round table on developing a legal framework for the introduction of an Advance Passenger Information (API) system in Kyrgyzstan.  

An API system is an electronic communication system that collects biographical information about passengers and flight details provided by an aircraft operator. The airline’s communications networks then transmit this data to the border control authorities in the destination country or in the country of origin before the flight departs or arrives at the destination airport. Due to this, the customs and border guards and other authorized bodies will be able to take the necessary response measures in relation to persons of interest in advance, while other passengers undergo less stringent controls. A legal framework for data capture, transfer and storage is needed for airlines to be able to obtain API data from passengers and to send it to the government authorities in the country. All legal provisions should comply with existing international standards.

The roundtable discussion brought together legal experts of the SCNS, State Border Service, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Finance, State Registration Service and others to discuss ways of smooth and swift introduction of the API system. The experts stressed the need to develop legislation on API before starting the API implementation process, and recommended to set up a working group on developing relevant laws and regulations.