Lt-Gen Shaikh Rashid hailed the efforts and dedication of all the staff, hailing the passports personnel who work round the clock, stressing their role in uncovering several violations and forgeries.
He stressed Bahrain’s resolve to provide all facilities for visitors, businessmen and investors, although some have exploited such streamlined measures to get entry visa upon arrival to borders and violated rules and laws, prompting authorities to review procedures and regulate the visa issuing process.
The minister was briefed on performance development at Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs to cope with fast changes in Bahrain on all levels.
He was updated on efforts to upgrade services and enhance the work quality through performance indicators and benchmarks.
He was also informed about visa issuing scheme through Bahrain embassies, hailing the project launched in 2005 to link visa issuance with travel agencies. He also hailed vital projects that serve citizens and residents to facilitate visa issuing and introduction of e-visa system.
The minister affirmed that quality assurance and excellence certificates obtained by the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs as clear indication of the effective approach adopted by the ministry.
He gave directives to complete required measures and implement reciprocal treatment procedures in term of visa granting policy in coordination with the concerned bodies. He also directed to open branches of the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs in various governorates and increase their authorities.
He said that the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs office at the Bahrain Investors Centre contributed in providing major facilities for owners of capitals and companies and called upon other concerned bodies to contribute to achieving the required goals of pushing the economic movement.
He also directed for more interests on e-archiving and linking it with the advanced systems implemented by the NPRA as well as modernized e-system and performance, especially at the Bahrain International Airport to meet international criteria and provide more facilities for travellers. He also directed for a comprehensive training programmes for all employees to enhance their competency and efficiency.
He pointed out that the efforts to upgrade all ministry departments would continue, benefiting from technological strides.