A simple sticker already being used by authorities is expected to revolutionise Bahrain's immigration process.

It is hoped that the new sticker will speed up the application process and enable immigration staff to complete documents faster.

Interior Ministry Under-Secretary for Nationality, Passports and Residence Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa said it spelt the end for traditional passport stamps.

'The new project for residence permits will follow a number of regulations which have been designed to increase efficiency and ensure quality in all departments,' he said.

'Using this new technology we will have the tools to speed up people's applications and complete their documents faster.'

Under the new system, residents leaving and returning to Bahrain will be issued with a sticker in their passport, which will act as a multiple re-entry permit until it expires.

'The Residency Department has been equipped with machines and special printers to accommodate the new system and will give citizens the best service,' he said.

'The new system has saved time and effort and we've found it offers better quality and clarity in residency documents, something which would not have been the case with the old technology.'

General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (GDNPR) finance and human resources director Nayef Al Sherooqi confirmed the old residence permit stamps would still be valid until they expired, at which point they would be replaced with the new stickers.-TradeArabia News Service