FNC concerned over lack of scrutiny for visitors

Abu Dhabi: The Federal National Council (FNC) is concerned about the lack of scrutiny of visitors amid public calls for tightening security checks.

Khalid Ali Bin Zayed Al Falasi, a member from Dubai, submitted a question to Lt Gen Shaikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, on the security checks visitors and tourists undergo. The question will be raised Monday.

Al Falasi told Gulf News "scrutiny of visitors and tourists is a must for the security of our homeland and the thriving business community".

He said at present visitors to the country are not subject to any security clearance or scrutiny.

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

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

Treatment

The House on many occasions also demanded that Emiratis receive the same treatment offered to citizens of 34 countries, including European Union countries and US citizens, who obtain 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. The lawmakers said they were merely seeking a diplomatic standard of reciprocal treatment among nations.

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, visiting tourists and the thriving business community within the bounds of UAE law.

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

The FNC session will also see four other ministers quizzed on social, cultural and educational issues.

Dr Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, a member from Abu Dhabi, will ask Humaid Mohammad Obaid Al Qutami, Minister of Education and Chairman of the Federal Human Resources Authority, a question on maternity leave.

The minister will also be quizzed by Sultan Saqr Al Suwaidi, a member from Dubai, on the establishment of a federal educational council.

Abdul Rahman Al Owais, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, will answer three questions on the establishment of an arts institute, goals of the ministerial committee on promoting national and social cohesion and the assessment of programmes of cultural centres.

Social security

Obaid Humaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Financial Affairs, will be asked a question on opening and management of accounts in commercial banks, submitted by Mohammad Abdullah Al Za'abi.

Mariam Al Roumi, Minister of Social Affairs, will answer two questions on updating of details of social security beneficiaries and reasons for suspending its payments.

Members of the House will also discuss issues related to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA).