FNC calls for tougher visitor security checks

Abu Dhabi: The Federal National Council (FNC) yesterday demanded tightening security checks of visitors to the country.

Khalid Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, a member from Dubai, said around one billion people from 33 countries enjoy prior visa waiver rights, which can be abused. "Some visitors abused the visa waiver system and committed criminal acts in the country. This prompts an urgent action to tighten security checks on every visitor, to protect our national security," Al Falasi said.

He suggested the House adopts a motion for this purpose. The proposal was backed by other members.

Citizens of 34 countries, including European Union countries and US citizens, obtain visas on arrival at UAE ports.

Al Falasi submitted a question to Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, on the security checks visitors and tourists undergo.

Shaikh Saif said visa applicants undergo a number of security checks. "Authorities make sure that a visa applicant had not been deported from the country or blacklisted for any reason. State security authorities also ensure the eligibility of an applicant to obtain a visa and on arrival at any port, the visitors undergo iris scanning to ensure he or she is not wanted for any crime," Shaikh Saif said in a statement.

Al Falasi earlier told Gulf News that scrutiny of visitors and tourists is a must for the security of the country and the thriving business community.

"Security clearance of visitors and tourists will protect our national security as well as the personal security of travellers," Al Falasi said, suggesting visitors should have their faces and fingerprints scanned.

Hospitable

Ahmad Saeed Al Danhani, a member from Fujairah, said the House also recommended tightening visa checks to the Foreign Ministry.

Sultan Saqr Al Suwaidi, a member from Dubai, said he supported the proposal and Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al Ghurair, Speaker of the FNC, said the issue will be addressed in another session soon.

The motion was prompted by the assassination of Hamas leader Mahmoud Al Mabhouh on January 19.

The House on many occasions has also demanded that Emiratis receive the same treatment offered to citizens of countries whose citizens obtain a visa on arrival at UAE ports.

Members of the council have lobbied the British parliament to grant UAE citizens the right to enter the UK without having to apply for a visa.

Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister, said the UAE will continue to do everything to protect its long-held position as a hospitable country that provides stability and security for its citizens as well as residents, visitors and the thriving business community within the bounds of UAE law.

Shaikh Abdullah added the government was facing increasing pressure to tighten visa scrutiny.

Political rights

The Government is committed to encourage greater political participation for citizens, a top official said yesterday.

"The Government is highly committed to encourage greater political participation for citizens whether through the Federal National Council, local councils or municipal council," said Dr Anwar Mohammad Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Dr Gargash, also Minister of State for FNC Affairs, was responding to a question from Sultan Saqr Al Suwaidi, an FNC member from Dubai, as to why he did not defend the legislature against calls to scrap it.

"The FNC, local councils and even municipal council are pillars for political participation, to which the Government is committed. Although I disagree with these calls to scrap the FNC, I am not supposed to tell anybody not to speak of this issue. It is a constructive conversation and political participation has to be on several levels including the FNC, other local advisory councils and municipal councils," Dr Gargash said.