Customs ready to facilitate smooth access and logistics movement during World Cup
The General Authority of Customs (GAC) is well prepared to facilitate smooth fan access and logistics movement, and to deal with emergencies while joining hands with the authorities concerned at the airports, ports and Abu Samra crossing.
GAC is chalking out joint plans that adopt the best tools and methods in managing the event based on the best international practices while reviewing the experiences of previous countries in co-operation with partner government agencies. This is within the co-ordination with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC).
The authority has worked to develop its mechanisms in many Customs disciplines while developing proactive scenarios for the expected volume of Customs work and managing temporary imports for the tournament under the provision of temporary entry. Sports equipment and logistical supplies, technical equipment for sports teams, organisers and specialised work teams for all government projects will be dealt with through this provision.
Also, GAC has intensified security measures and is trying to anticipate potential risks and established an electronic (Sports Events Management) system to facilitate the procedures of the teams and the World Cup audience. The total number of approved entities registered on the system has so far reached 183, and the establishment of the system took more than 1,000 hours of analysis and intensive meetings over two years.
Additional work teams have been formed to support the work needs at outlets, with 180 employees from all departments. Customs facilities at Customs’ ports especially at Abu Samra Port have been strengthened with training of employees on managing work during the World Cup.
Ajab Mansour al-Qahtani, director of the Customs Department of Hamad International Airport, said facilities required for the entry of sports teams and their shipments have been set up. This is according to international standards, and by working with partner agencies in order to provide the essential facilities.
The Land Customs Department has provided facilities for the entry of travellers and fans of the World Cup through joint work plans with the Permanent Committee of Abu Samra Port.
This was achieved while implementing necessary expansions including new halls, entry and exit gates and vehicle inspection platforms. Ahmed Youssef al-Sahel, director of the Land Customs Department, said the authority has participated in equipping two new halls here while there is an electronic link between Customs and the insurance office in order to speed up the completion of the insurance process for vehicles. Talal
Abdullah al-Shaibi, director of Operations and Risk Analysis Department, said the linking process includes sending the registered vehicle information from the AlNadeeb system to the Unified Insurance Office system.
Abdulhadi al-Sahli, director of the Maritime Customs Department, said the department is prepared to receive all guests and to meet their needs through the sea ports. He said all sea ports are equipped with the means, devices and technologies while integrating modern procedures. The application of simplified Customs declaration procedures has also been activated at the seaports of the FIFA-accredited entities while linking the X-ray examination devices to the Nadeeb system.
Mohamed Ibrahim al-Abdullah, assistant director of the Maritime Customs Department, said the Customs officials received continuous training for facilitating special shipments for the World Cup and in ensuring the flow of goods as well as the art of dealing with visitors. The Maritime Customs Department will be a support department for other ports. The department’s 94 employees have been shifted to other ports. GAC has also deployed a 24x7 Customs support team to ensure that all procedures are carried out smoothly.