The head of the Border Ports Authority, Omar al-Waeli, confirmed on Friday that Prime Minister Ali Falih al-Zaidi has directed efforts to maximize revenues and tighten procedures against those involved in manipulation, forgery, and smuggling.
In a statement, al-Waeli said that during his visit to the Border Ports Authority headquarters, accompanied by the Director of the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Prime Minister praised the Authority's efforts in streamlining procedures and monitoring ports, and the results achieved in maximizing revenues and curbing smuggling operations.
He indicated that the visit included the issuance of several directives, most notably:
* Supporting the Authority's staff and enforcement units with financial rewards for apprehending those involved in embezzlement of public funds.
* Intensifying efforts to combat drug smuggling and activating inspection and monitoring procedures.
* Maximizing revenues by verifying the descriptions of goods and ensuring their conformity with applicable customs duties.
* Strengthening the Authority's staff with officers and personnel from the Ministry of Interior who have recently graduated from training courses.
* Taking decisive measures against those involved in manipulation, forgery, and smuggling. * Strengthening e-governance and exchanging trade data with neighboring countries and the world to ensure information consistency.
* Taking unprecedented measures to combat corruption and evaluate the performance of border crossing personnel.
* Enhancing trade and transit operations.
* Preparing the requirements for the development project and upgrading and expanding border crossings.
* Monitoring financial transfer operations in coordination with the Central Bank, the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Office, and the judicial authorities.
Government directives to combat manipulation, forgery, and smuggling at border crossings
