HIGH security immigration gates that use biometric technology to scan travellers' passports are to be installed at Bahrain International Airport, officials have confirmed.

The ImmSec system will use Smart cards, fingerprint readers and LCD monitors to identify travellers and scan their luggage.

Bahrain could become only the third country in the world to implement the technology after the UK and Japan and officials hope it will be up and running by the end of the year.

Four gates will initially be installed, two in arrivals and two in the departures hall, with plans to add more after a trial period.

The system is a product of Swedish company Gunnebo Security Group, which won the approval of the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence (GDNPR) after a tender process.

The Securicore Group, Gunnebo's business partners and agents in Bahrain, will implement and maintain the immigration gates for five years, confirmed Securicore assistant executive director Ahmed Naffea.