Indian passports with same nos annoy Bahrian immigration authorities

Dubai, Aug 31 (UNI) Bahrain immigration authorities are an exasperated lot as they grapple with Indian passports with identical numbers.

This has created problems in processing visa applications as there are Indian passports bearing same numbers as those belonging to expatriates who are deported or have a criminated record.

''It becomes confusing and difficult for us when we come across similar cases,'' Bahrain Tribune quoted an official as saying.

To expedite the issuance of visa, the Bahrain officials verify the date of birth and other details by contacting officials frum where the passport was issued.

Immigration officials said there are cases of work permits not being issued among Indians because of passport with similar numbers.

In the latest case KK Vijayan, who had his passport issued in Kozhikode 13 years ago had his visa application rejected on the grounds that there was someone already in the Kingdom with the same passport number.

When he applied for visa, a second time using his latest passport, it was again rejected as the Bahrain immigration authorities found another having the same passport number.

UNI XC SI AT RAI1348