GAC reviews preparations for FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
As part of its planning for the major international events that Qatar will host, most notably the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, the General Authority of Customs (GAC) hosted a coordination meeting for customs support teams.
The discussion discussed Qatar’s goals and aims for this event, as well as the customs processes that would apply during the World Cup.
Furthermore, participants received outlines of the approved work mechanisms, in addition to instructions on how to deal with the simplified electronic system for sporting events, inspections, release, X-ray detection devices, security gates customs control, and handling travellers’ instant data, amongst other relevant procedures related to passenger and goods entry during periods of important events.
In a speech on this occasion, Chairman of GAC Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Jamal stressed the importance of this global event hosted by Qatar, the need to meet customs requirements and achieve integrated coordination with the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC) as well as all government agencies working on the World Cup customs ports of entry.
Moreover, the Operations and Risk Management Manager at GAC Talal Al Shaibi gave a presentation on the developments and work mechanisms of the customs support teams and the progress achieved in preparing the support team dedicated to important international events organised by the state.
Al Shaibi added that the support team was formed in order to facilitate and simplify customs procedures and to support Qatar’s air, land and sea ports in cases of emergencies or exceptional events (sports, economics, etc.). The team will help in providing comprehensive support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to ensure the achievement of the best and finest customs services provided at Qatar’s entry points.
Additionally, the presentation touched on several axes, most notably tightening surveillance and control, applying the highest standards of efficiency and targeting, ensuring a smooth flow of goods and
individuals, and organising operational mechanisms. Not to mention the work methodology of the support team, its scope of work, and the adopted procedures at customs ports of entry.
As for the training centre, it presented a summary of the training courses and workshops that were provided to the employees of entry ports this year, which included enhancing the expertise of the support team in all areas of customs work; be it customs law, World Cup logistics procedures, risk management, combating smuggling, handling dangerous materials and as well as others customs tasks.