Delays in Passport Issuance: Backlog Expected to Clear by September 2024
The Department of Passports and Immigration has initiated measures to address the significant delays in the issuance of new passports. This move comes as a response to the growing concerns of citizens facing extended wait times for their travel documents.
Increase in Printing Capacity
To expedite the passport issuance process, the Passports and Immigration authorities have decided to invest in advanced equipment. The department will be purchasing 20 state-of-the-art laminators and 20 high-capacity printers. These new machines are expected to boost the daily printing capacity from the current 22,000 passports to an impressive 55,000 passports per day. This substantial increase is anticipated to significantly reduce the waiting period for applicants.
Stock of Lamination Papers Secured
In addition to upgrading their equipment, the passport authorities have also ensured that they are well-prepared for the increased production. A stockpile of lamination papers, sufficient for the next six months, has already been procured. This proactive step is crucial to prevent any further delays due to supply shortages.
Backlog Expected to Clear by September
With these measures in place, it is expected that the current backlog of passport applications will begin to clear by the last week of September 2024. This news brings relief to thousands of applicants who have been waiting for their passports. The Department of Passports and Immigration is confident that these efforts will streamline the process and restore timely service delivery.
The recent steps taken by the Passports and Immigration Department demonstrate a strong commitment to resolving the delays in passport issuance. As the new equipment is integrated into the system, and with adequate resources secured, the backlog is expected to diminish, paving the way for smoother and quicker passport processing for all applicants.
