Branches of the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (GDNPR) are set to open in Bahrain’s governorates, said Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa.

The Minister visited the GDNPR yesterday where he was welcomed by Under-Secretary Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa and other officials.

He stressed Bahrain's resolve to provide all facilities for visitors, businessmen and investors, although some have exploited streamlined measures to get visa upon arrival and violated laws, prompting authorities to regulate procedures.

He also issued directives to implement reciprocal treatment in visa procedures, in co-ordination with concerned bodies.

He asked officials to link eArchives to GDNPR's systems and update eSystem and performance at Bahrain International Airport to meet global criteria and provide more facilities for travellers.

He hailed staff for their efforts to uncover violations and forgeries and stressed comprehensive training programmes to enhance their competence and efficiency.

The visa scheme launched in 2004 through Bahrain's embassies to link with travel agencies, eVisa system and the GDNPR office at the Bahrain Investors' Centre were also discussed.

The Minister said efforts to upgrade all departments would continue. – TradeArabia News Service