Passports are being replaced by Smartcards at the e-gates, said assistant under-secretary for nationality, passports and residence Shaikh Ahmed bin Isa Al Khalifa.
"This marks a major milestone in our e-government technology," he told the GDN.
"The launch of the e-gate service came as an innovative initiative from the Bahrain government, aimed at offering most accelerated and best services for travellers.
"The new service saves much time and effort by accelerating check-in time significantly where e-gate service depends on smartcard identification system and fingerprints identification to carry out procedures for passengers."
The system provides the option to either go through normal gates or the new electronic gates, which save time and effort.
"One of the most important features of the e-gate is that it is provided free of charge, compared to other GCC countries," said Shaikh Ahmed. This was based on the directives of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who issued instructions to ensure that service is provided free of charge."
The ceremony was attended by Bahrain International Airport Company chairman Shaikh Daij bin Salman Al Khalifa, Central Informatics Organisation (CIO) president Mohammed Al Amer, Bahrain E-government Agency chief executive officer Mohammed Ali Al Qaed, General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence Assistant Under Secretary for Exits, Investigation and Follow Up Colonel Yousif Al Ghatam, Bahrain Airport director Mohammed Thamer Al Ka'abi and senior immigration, Civil Aviation Affairs, CIO and E-government Agency officials.
"Two e-gates have been established at a cost of BD80,000 in the arrival area," Mr Al Amer told a Press conference. "Two e-gates will be available at the departure area soon."
Col Al Ghatam said the service was available on a trial basis over the past two months, and it was used by 2,060 passengers. Those wishing to use e-gates have to obtain smartcards first from the CIO.
Shaikh Daij said that the e-gate service would be of great significance as an integrated forum for e-government.
"The Bahrain Airport Company will deal with this technology with proficiency providing all the support for its success," he added.
"This advanced technology reflects the level of development and progress of the company to upgrade the airport in line with the economic and commercial development in the kingdom."
"We shall enhance promotion and advertising through modern electronic means and adopt appropriate computerised systems for various information processes," said Shaikh Daij.
Mr Al Amer said the launch of the e-gate was a distinct achievement, mainly in the field of Smartcard, which he said won several awards. The awards include the Leadership Award for the best electronic identity card system in the Middle East and the E-government Award for the best project at the Asian level in the largest exhibition and conference for information technology and communications in India.
"The CIO shall work for the next phase to add more applications to the electronic identity card with the use of the most advanced technology," said Mr Al Amer.
Mr Al Qaed thanked Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, for the support.
He also thanked the Bahrain International Airport Company, the Civil Aviation Affairs, the Interior Ministry staff and CIO for their support.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Soman Baby
Quelle/Source: Gulf Daily News, 12.02.2008
