"Passports Directorate" launches portals at airports and shortens traveler procedures to 25 seconds. Al Riyadh, photos by Jaber Al-Maliki, Hatem Omar Colonel Bader Al Malek, the official spokesman of the Directorate General of Passports, said that the portal security system is considered one of best systems in the world. In his speech to 'Al Riyadh', he explained in case of any suspected person, the security gates will automatically close in 25 seconds. The mechanism service with its speed is the fastest; recording is closed in 25 seconds. It is an excellent standard time compared to other gates which are used in international airports. During the launching of the electronic portal at the airports, Al Malek explained that the electronic gates will replace all normal routine counters, noting that the new system is linked to all vital characteristics of the National Information Center. Any person who has a fingerprint ID in the center can take the advantage of this service. Colonel Al Malek explained that the aim behind the e-portal service is avoiding travelers waiting for long time during the departure or arrivals, pointing out that these gates are not limited to travelling to the Gulf countries only, but also to other parts of the world. He also clarified at the same time that persons leaving the Kingdom by using the e-card should use the same card -method when coming back, and those leaving by passports should use the same method when coming back. He continued that the goal is to facilitate the procedures of departure or arrival time for passengers (citizens and residents) through ten portals in the Kingdom. The first stage begins with six gates at King Khalid International Airport and four at King Fahd Airport in Dammam, pointing out that it would be circulated to all airports in the Kingdom. He added that the cards do not need fill in forms; they will be immediately activated by its first time use. The card service, however, will not be a substitute for travelers' official documents like passports. For women using the e-portal service, they should have first e-statement in the computer system. Al Malek explained that it is possible to take the advantage of the provided service by using citizen national identity or by the special gate cards for citizens and residents alike. Activation will be immediately inside the gate at airports. He pointed out that the gates will play the role of the counter passport officers without the need to pass on the passport counters. Explaining how to use the card, he said that the gates will open the moment passengers put their cards in the allotted place inside gate. The card user is enabled to select the required language shown on the screen, type of traveler and automated account number of passport. Then the fingerprint verification comes as a final step.
