ABU DHABI // The Ministry of Interior yesterday announced plans to rebuild one of the oldest checkpoints on the border with Oman as part of a scheme to develop the country's crossing points. Work will start in September on a Dh15.5 million (US$4.2m) upgrade of facilities at the Khatma Malaha checkpoint, near Kalba in Sharjah, according to a statement from the ministry. "This step comes as part of the ministry's plan to develop the border crossings, facilitate procedures and provide the best services for travellers," said the statement.
Residents have complained about the lack of services at the crossing point, including an immigration office that can issue passports. The nearest passport office is nearly 50km away in Khor Fakkan. Sharjah's Executive Council has also asked that the Naturalisation and Residency Department open a branch at the crossing. However, the statement did not make clear whether the work would include the construction of a passport issuing office.
Officials said the number of travellers using the Khatma Malaha crossing had been steadily increasing, recently reaching 110,000 people a month. "This is one of the most vital crossings in the country, which means we have to complete this project to ease people's access," said Capt Abdul Hakeem al Tamimi, of the Ministry of Interior. He said the new facilities would include two lanes for light and heavy vehicles and that travellers would be able to have passports stamped and complete customs procedures without leaving their cars.
Last month, the UAE closed the Al Mudeef crossing point between Al Ain and the Omani town of Buraimi, causing distress to many people in both towns. However, less than a week later, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, ordered the reopening of the crossing "for humanitarian reasons". @Email:mhabboush@thenational.ae
