After the overwhelming success of the eGate project in Dubai facilitating smooth processing of travel formalities besides ensuring tighter security control, the Minister of Interior, Lieutenant-General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan has directed that the project be implemented at all the airports and ports in the country.
The eGate is being developed to suit different entry and exit points where the eGate machines will be installed. "Once the project is implemented at all the exit and entry points, holders of the eGate card issued by the DNRD will be able to use the same card at any exit or entry point," said Brigadier Saeed Mattar bin Bleilah, Director of the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department.
Residents and nationals in Dubai will need to have eGate cards in a phased manner, shifting to this system which was first introduced for those being sponsored on parents visa, Brig. Bin Bleilah. He said the department intended to expand the use of eGate technology, which would ensure that passengers do not queue up at the immigration counters at the airport to get their passports stamped with entry or exit stamps.
The validity of the eGate card is for three years, but should the passport of the applicant expire before this period, then the validity of the card will coincide with that of the passport expiry date, he said.
As part of the exercise to gear up for the implementation of subsequent phases, the department's counters at the airport would also see significant development during 2006 and 2007. The next phase would require preparing necessary manpower to handle modern electronic equipment and facilities, he said.
More
|
