Ras Al Khaimah: Border checkpoints between Ras Al Khaimah and Oman were electronically linked yesterday on an experimental basis to help cut down delays.
The experimental phase of the electronic immigration connection between the UAE and Oman was launched yesterday at the Ras Al Darah checkpoint.
Ras Al Darah checkpoint in the UAE was electronically connected with the Tebat checkpoint of Oman.
Thousands of passengers cross the border between the two countries daily and the electronic connection will make a great difference in the number of passengers and in the official procedures.
General Saif Al Shafar, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior paid a field visit to Ras Al Darah, announcing that the experimental phase that will last for two to three weeks would only be limited to Emiratis and GCC nationals.
Experimental phase
"Once the experimental phase is concluded and evaluated, the electronic system will officially be put in place and will cover UAE residents and visitors," he said.
"This new electronic system will be applied to all passengers very soon," he added.
General Al Shafar urged Emiratis to issue their identify cards at the earliest, as those cards will be needed to pass at the borders.
"Emiratis who have their identity cards will spare officials in charge of the electronic system at the checkpoints a lot of time and effort to finish their official procedures," he said.
"The checkpoints which connect the UAE with surrounding countries should be equipped with the world's best technology to finish the official procedures of passengers in the shortest possible time and to enhance the commercial and tourist exchange between these countries," he said.
General Al Shafar was also accompanied by General Salem Mohammad Al Khaili, the Director General of the UAE Central Department of Immigration and Residency Department, Lieutenant Colonel Sultan Al Nuaimi, who heads the Ras Al Khaimah Naturalisation and Residency Department, Lieutenant Colonel Hamad Al Mansouri, the Technical Adviser at Dubai Immigration and Residency Department and Major Nasser Bin Salem Al Hosani, who heads the technical connection project between the UAE and Oman.
General Al Shafar said that the Ministry of Interior under Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Minister of Interior exerts all possible efforts to provide passengers with the best service to move between countries easily and quickly.
Lieutenant Colonel Al Mansouri said, "The experimental phase will be limited to Emiratis and GCC nationals and the new electronic connection will make movement between the UAE and Oman easier and faster."
Best service
The connection between Ras Al Darah Checkpoint in the UAE with the Tebat Checkpoint of Oman came after the electronic connection between Hatta in the UAE and Al Wajajah of Oman and Mazeed of the UAE and Hafeet of Oman, as per a plan set by the Ministry of Interior to connect all the checkpoints of the two countries electronically to provide passengers with the best possible services.
