The King Fahd Causeway Authority is working with the Saudi Embassy and universities in Bahrain to crack down on those using fake or expired student cards to cross the bridge.

The cards are for those citizens and expatriate students studying at universities in Bahrain, which allow them to use a special lane to cross the causeway, thereby avoiding congestion and having to pay entry tariffs and insurance.

Officials are now checking with the universities in Bahrain to see whether the cards are valid. This decision was taken after reports emerged that some students studying in Bahrain were procuring cards for their relatives in the Kingdom.

Saudi Ambassador in Manama Abdullah Al-Shaikh said there is ongoing cooperation between the Saudi Embassy, the King Fahd Causeway Authority and Bahraini universities. He said there are 1,400 Saudi students on government scholarships in Bahrain.

According to the causeway’s website, the magnetic cards are for students and those with special needs. For students to get a card, they must show proof of their studies, schedule for the current semester, and proof of identity. For women and children, a copy of the family card has to be provided.