Resolving Concerns About the New Biometric System

 
 
 

Addressing the concerns shared by several locals and residents, security sources clarified the intention behind the newly deployed biometric system at various border crossings and airports. The objective is to construct a comprehensive database for the Ministry of Interior, they disclosed.

With 49 biometric devices installed across land, sea, and air entry points, along with two dedicated centers in Umm Al-Hayman and Jahra, the ministry aims to enhance national security. Spearheaded by First Deputy Prime Minister and acting Minister of Interior and Defense, Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, the project aims to facilitate a seamless travel experience.

Security sources reassured that this new move would not pose any hindrance to citizens or residents regarding their travel or residency renewal. The act of collecting fingerprints wouldn't obstruct anyone from entering or leaving the country. The ministry's current agenda is to develop a security database comprising all entrants, be they citizens, residents, Gulf nationals, or even visitors. The next phase will involve recording ten fingerprints of the country's residents and linking them with their residency renewal process.

The implementation of the biometric system has demonstrated impressive accuracy, efficiency, and a high-speed data collection process for everyone who underwent fingerprinting. This effective approach has been witnessed amidst the significant rush at land, air, and sea ports.

The Department of Land and Air Ports has successfully registered a massive number of travelers, including citizens, residents, and visitors, using the fingerprinting method which typically takes no more than three minutes. In cases of unrecognized fingerprints due to injuries or other issues, facial and eye scans are conducted, which takes approximately five minutes.

In an attempt to ease the anticipated congestion during the summer travel season, authorities have made provisions for Kuwaiti nationals to take their fingerprints at one of the two centers in Umm Al-Haiman and Jahra. Operating 24/7, these centers will alleviate congestion at border crossings. The fingerprint system applies to all individuals who are 21 years old or above. Complete data captured by these biometric devices is sent to the Criminal Evidence Department, creating a special database linked with the Gulf security system.

There exist agreements among GCC countries to share data about individuals wanted in security-related cases. The prime objective is to identify counterfeiters, apprehend individuals wanted by security, and record the security data of the person undergoing fingerprinting.

In coordination with the General Department of Information Systems, the Criminal Evidence Department has installed 49 scanning devices across land ports, sea ports, and airport terminals. The staff managing these devices have been thoroughly trained for the project to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and speed, thereby preventing any travel delays.

It's noteworthy that the Ministry of Interior has successfully completed a project to develop a comprehensive central biometric system for Kuwait, which includes fingerprints, palm, face, iris, and electronic signatures of all individuals.

The project was overseen by Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, who closely monitored the final stages of the project. This initiative also includes a thorough overhaul of entry and exit procedures for travelers and vehicles, the establishment of secure data centers, provision of automated devices to simplify procedures, and the ability to check local and international blacklists before authorizing travel.

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IFL  - Kuwait 2024