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Bahrain to restrict visas issuance to limit illegal entries
A major official in Bahrain has revealed that restrictions are likely to be imposed on walk-in visit visas to crack down on illegal immigrants.
Expatriate residents from other GCC countries will no longer be permitted walk-in visas, unless they fall into senior management, professional or business categories.
The concerned authorities are compelled to restrict access due to several cases of cheats, who used such visas as an opportunity to slip in illegally into the country, said Nayef Al Sherooqi, General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence, Human and Financial Resources Director.
The government may also make applicable more stringent rules to people of 36 nationalities, who are normally permitted visas on arrival. Currently, these nationalities only have to show return air tickets. But they may be asked to prove that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during the stay (whether credit cards, cash or traveller’s cheques).
The authorities complain that there are several cases of visitors having utilized the visa on arrival rule to enter the country, and then over-stayed. There are even cases when such people have taken up employment in the country.
Visas issued at entry points to expatriate residents of other GCC states will be limited to those holding senior positions such as managers, doctors, bankers, engineers and their families. Even the representatives of trade companies and employees working for Gulf families will be issued visas. All other categories of expatriates in the GCC will have to obtain the visa before making their trip to Bahrain.
The authorities are now tracking down people who have overstayed their visit visas. The main aims is to streamline the process an prevent misuse of facilities.
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