The Immigration and Checkpoints Authority is working on introducing a non-intrusive facial capture system at the checkpoints, said ICA commissioner Eric Tan on Tuesday morning.

This will 'deter imposters from finding their way into the country,' he told his officers at the annual workplan seminar.

This is just one type of biometric technology - which identifies people through physical aspects like their facial features, fingerprints and body signals - that the authority is tapping on.

Mr Tan also announced the setting up of a 'Biometrics Hub', which will integrate biometric information on all citizens and long-term residents. The use of mobile devices linked to the database will allow immediate screening to take place anywhere.

The adoption of such technology helps the ICA screen for unwanted travellers even as it copes with larger numbers of people passing through the checkpoints.

Law Minister and Second Home Affairs Minister K. Shanmugam said in his speech that ICA's border security strategy is underpinned by risk evaluation.

The new measures will make it harder for those trying to sneak through. But he said 'no country can promise there will be no errors or mistakes'.

He explained: 'Taking risks means that at times some of the risks may well materialise. Thus, to some extent, the intense focus that ICA was subjected to for a mis-clearance that arose in the first place because of an error by the passenger, did not take into account the realities of the situation.'

Mr Shanmugam was referring to an incident last year when a passenger carrying the wrong passport was allowed through at Changi Airport.

Read the full report in Wednesday's edition of The Straits Times.