Unified GCC biometric fingerprint link soon
Database will help establish security with other countries
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) state members have embarked on a plan to have a unified fingerprint system, according to a Kuwaiti newspaper.
Kuwait has already started with mandatory biometric fingerprinting for its citizens and expatriates as part of the plan. The country’s Interior Ministry has given a threemonth deadline, which began on March 1, for mandatory biometric fingerprinting. Failing to comply will result in restricted access to the ministry’s services, including the renewals of residency permits (iqama) and driver’s licenses, the paper added quoting sources.
“Kuwait’s expedited conducting of the fingerprinting for the eligible ones and the setting of a three-month deadline came upon Gulf coordination in this respect,” said the sources. “Setting up a biometric fingerprint data base will remarkably contribute to establishing security linkage with other countries, the Interpol, the Arab state and the Gulf countries in particular,” the sources said.
Eye on wanted persons
They explained the step will provide security data on the wanted persons in connection to security cases and limit the numbers of people attempting to enter a country with forged passports.
Coordination is also under way among the GCC countries to resolve the issue of dual nationality that places financial and social burdens. Fingerprinting data will help expose dual nationality holders who may use different identity documents while travelling.
Kuwait has already started with mandatory biometric fingerprinting for its citizens and expatriates as part of the plan.