More than a thousand forged passports were confiscated at UAE airports last year, an immigration official said yesterday.
Brig Obaid bin Suroor, the deputy director of Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department, said at a forum on electronic identity documents that seizing 1,088 passports was made possible only by a database that contains identification records of nationals from Britain, the US, Australia and the Netherlands.
International collaboration is essential to ensure border security, he said.
In an opening address to the forum, Brig bin Suroor called for a renewed drive to implement electronic biometric systems to control movements into the country and said that the introduction of e-gates and face-recognition technology this year would be a major step to achieving the UAE's target of phasing out paper-based forms of identification.
"We are looking for more efficient ways of identifying people coming into the country. A key part of this will be to use the latest biometric technology," he said. "It is important for countries to work together to achieve these aims."
Lt Col Khalid Nasser Alrazooqi, the department's assistant director of information technology, said everyone would benefit from the new systems.
"We now have over 100 e-gates in Dubai International Airport and are establishing a network throughout the UAE. Travellers can reduce transit time through airports by opting to use an e-gate, where their identification is checked by an eye scan. They do not need to carry their passport and so can avoid long queues."
"Our aim is that airports will be self-service, with people using e-passports. The passports will contain a chip with biometric information about the individual. They will be able to check themselves through by passing through scanners."
Col Alrazooqi was working with countries around the world to promote a switch to e-passports.
"We cannot put a time frame on when e-passports will be fully introduced because not all countries are working towards ... the e-passport concept. We are currently looking into ways of developing the national ID card so it can be used as an e-passport."
Greg Pote, chairman of the Asia Pacific Smart Card Association, a non-profit association promoting smart cards and e-passports, said there was an increasing desire across the world to strengthen border security while at the same time facilitating passenger travel.
"With more international travel than ever before, airports will see an increase in volume and this will have to be managed carefully. This technology will also enable the improved delivery of government services through electronic channels."
The Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department has been at the forefront of developing and implementing e-documents to improve security at border controls. As well as giving passengers the option of choosing e-gate cards, the department processes visas online.
In 2001 the UAE was the first country to implement an iris recognition system at every border control, helping to identify criminals and deportees. Last July, the Ministry of Interior announced plans to implement a face-recognition system to complement iris scanning.
The recently opened Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport has become a showcase for this new technology. Emirates Airline has also devised a system to enable flight staff to bypass normal security procedures while also being logged on to an e-roster.
More than 120 delegates from 35 countries in Dubai for the 7th Government Discussion Forum on Electronic Identity Documents. The forum ends tomorrow.
tbrooks@thenational.ae
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
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- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
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Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
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Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
His life in brief: Born in a village near Galilee, he lived in exile for most of his life and started writing poetry after high school. He was arrested several times by Israel for what were deemed to be inciteful poems. Most of his work focused on the love and yearning for his homeland, and he was regarded the Palestinian poet of resistance. Over the course of his life, he published more than 30 poetry collections and books of prose, with his work translated into more than 20 languages. Many of his poems were set to music by Arab composers, most significantly Marcel Khalife. Darwish died on August 9, 2008 after undergoing heart surgery in the United States. He was later buried in Ramallah where a shrine was erected in his honour.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
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Based: Tunisia
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Directed by: Walt Dohrn, David Smith
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Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
The Bio
Amal likes watching Japanese animation movies and Manga - her favourite is The Ancient Magus Bride
She is the eldest of 11 children, and has four brothers and six sisters.
Her dream is to meet with all of her friends online from around the world who supported her work throughout the years
Her favourite meal is pizza and stuffed vine leaves
She ams to improve her English and learn Japanese, which many animated programmes originate in
The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
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