Between January and March of this year, Dubai International Airport (DXB) experienced a surge in the detection of fraudulent passports among incoming passengers, as reported by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai.
Surge in Counterfeit Passport Cases at Dubai International Airport
In the recent announcement made by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai concerning the detection of counterfeit passports at Dubai International Airport (DXB), it was disclosed that a notable surge in such instances had been observed during the initial quarter of the year.
Specifically, between January and March of the current year, over 350 incoming passengers at DXB were apprehended with falsified passports. This revelation, made public on Monday, underscores the proactive measures undertaken by GDRFA to combat fraudulent activities within the emirate.
The data provided by GDRFA reveals a comparative analysis between the corresponding periods of the previous year and the current one. Notably, there has been a marginal increase in the number of individuals intercepted for possessing forged passports during the first three months of 2024, with the figure standing at 366, as opposed to 355 during the same timeframe in the preceding year.
Additionally, statistics from the previous year shed light on the extensive examination of a total of 16,127 documents, out of which 1,232 were confirmed to be counterfeit. Consequently, 443 cases were subsequently referred to the public prosecution for further legal action, a testament to the severity with which such matters are addressed.
During a press briefing held at Terminal 1 of Dubai Airport, Aqil Ahmad Alnajjar, a consultant from the Document Examination Centre at GDRFA, emphasized the efficacy of the measures implemented to identify and apprehend individuals attempting to enter the emirate using illicit passports. Alnajjar highlighted the deployment of advanced technology, exemplified by the Retro Check machines installed at every passport control counter within Dubai Airports. These cutting-edge devices serve as a robust defense mechanism, enabling immigration officers to scrutinize suspect passports meticulously.
The deployment of Retro Check machines represents a pivotal advancement in the arsenal of tools utilized by immigration authorities to safeguard the integrity of passport verification procedures. By leveraging sophisticated technology, GDRFA aims to fortify its defenses against fraudulent activities perpetrated by individuals seeking illicit entry into the emirate. Alnajjar's remarks underscore the collaborative efforts undertaken by GDRFA and other relevant stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of security and vigilance at Dubai's international gateways.
The recent disclosures regarding the detection of counterfeit passports at DXB underscore the persistent challenges faced by immigration authorities in combating fraudulent activities.
The proactive measures undertaken by GDRFA, coupled with the deployment of state-of-the-art technology, exemplify the commitment to preserving the integrity of passport verification procedures and safeguarding the security of the emirate. Through continuous vigilance and collaboration, GDRFA remains steadfast in its resolve to thwart attempts at illegal entry and uphold the rule of law.