MoI: new electronic passport system to be launched mid-Sept.

KUWAIT, May 2 (KUNA) -- A new electronic passport system is expected to be launched in mid-September, Ministry of Interior (MoI) Undersecretary for Citizenship and Passport Affairs Sheikh General Mazen Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah announced on Monday.
In a speech at the 31st meeting of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Directors General of Passport Authorities,which runs until Wednesday, General Al-Jarrah said that the new system would take precedence over all other issues to be discussed at the meeting. The meeting will also feature discussions of crucial issues which aim to help attain GCC citizens' aspirations, General Al-Jarah noted. He also added that he hopes the meeting would yield results indicative of GCC solidarity.
Moreover, Assistant Director General of Residence Affairs at the MoI Abdullah Al-Hajeri said that the ministry strives to bolster ties amongst GCC nations, particularly, in the realm of passports and customs, noting that the trying status quo behooves GCC nations to further cooperate with one another.
Director General of Public Relations and Security Information at the MoI Adel Al-Hashash revealed that the new electronic passport system will contain the passport holder's complete details, making any form of forgery unfeasible.
Al-Hashash also underscored the meeting's significance, describing it as a forum to exchange information and expertise. (end) nfa.nam