ABOUT 70,000 new passport booklets are expected to arrive in the country before the end of the year, with the Immigration Department assuring there will be no shortage.
Minister for Immigration Viliame Naupoto said 35,000 passports were due to arrive on November 10, followed by another 35,000 in December.
“There’s another 35,000 supposed to be arriving on the 10th of November, and another 35,000 in December,” he said.
“At the same time, there’s another 100,000 already ordered. I do not foresee any shortage.”
To ease growing demand at its main office, the department also plans to open a new branch in Nakasi.
“What we’re doing to alleviate the space that we have in Suva is we’re trying to open an office in the Nakasi area.
“We can cater for those that are coming in from Tailevu, Davuilevu, Nausori — that big population, so that they can just go to Nakasi.”
He said the office is expected to be located at the new CJ building in Nakasi.
“At least, if that is open, then people can go there.
“Right now, everybody comes to the Suva office and it’s so small.”
Mr Naupoto added that the new office would be an expansion rather than a relocation.
“We’re not moving away from there (Robertson Rd) — very unlikely until next year.”
Passport crisis – Immigration Department to address booking delays
THE Immigration Department is exploring ways to shorten the long wait for passport appointments as citizens continue to face online booking dates pushed into next year.
Minister for Immigration Viliame Naupoto said the online booking system was introduced to manage crowding at the Suva office, which has limited space for queues.
“The booking online part was made so that people can just fit into that small space, especially at the Suva Immigration Office,” he said.
“There is no place outside to queue in. It’s out in the sun.”
He said the department was considering reopening walk-in services after hours to help clear the backlog.
“If the backlog is big, we would like to open it up again for walkin, but it will have to be after working hours.
“But because it will be after working hours, I will have to find money for overtime.
“Right now, our overtime funds are exhausted from the last time.”
Mr Naupoto said funding would be sought again if needed.
“If there’s a need to work overtime to get the backlog cleared, we certainly will find the money.”
He added that urgent cases were still being assisted promptly.
“Yeah, walk in, just walk in and tell them the reason.”
