17,000 entered Iraq in 10 days
The decision of the Iraqi authorities to cancel the entry visa requirement for Kuwaitis, citizens of other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Yemenis traveling to Iraq, especially those visiting Basra City which is currently hosting the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup resulted in crowding at Abdally border as about 17,000 traveled to Iraq within 10 days, reports Al-Rai daily. In an interview with the daily, Director of the border Colonel Walid Al-Azmi shed light on their preparations for the Gulf Cup. He affirmed all the necessary security and logistical measures have been taken to ensure smooth travel for those keen on watching the tournament.
“Aside from the decision to cancel the entry visa requirement for certain nationalities, the Iraqi authorities also facilitated the issuance of visas to other nationalities through the Safwan border. First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior and acting Minister of Defense Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled, along with Ministry of Interior Undersecretary Lieutenant General Anwar Al-Barjas and Assistant Undersecretary for the Ports Security Sector Major General Mansour Al-Awadi worked hard to ease the exit of travelers. This includes the quick completion of departure and entry procedures by increasing the number of passport counters to eight, opening four new lanes, and equipping the entry and exit halls with devices that facilitate the entry and exit of travelers.
As per the instruction of Major General Mansour Al-Awadi, the military provided manpower support, in addition to a security team from Kuwait International Airport. The documentation of passengers with private vehicles does not exceed three minutes and five minutes for buses. Kuwait Public Transport Company (KPTC) provided 40 buses with international license from Kuwait Automobile Club and these buses are operating 24 hours a day,” Al-Wazmi added.
Source- Arab Times.
