People lining up early as 4am to lodge their passport applications is not a requirement by the Immigration Office, says line minister Pio Tikoduadua.
This, after a photo showed people had formed a long queue in front of the Immigration Office in Suva as early as 4am, waiting for the office to open.
“I wish to say that we are aware and deeply concerned that people are lining up from as early as 4am to lodge their passport applications,” he said.
“We recognise the effort and time that our people are taking, and we are actively addressing these issues.”
Mr Tikoduadua said the decision by individuals to arrive at early hours was entirely voluntary.
“Our priority has always been and remains to offer a service that respects your time and needs.”
With the opening of the new Immigration Office, he said they have expanded the indoor waiting area capacity from 30 to 100.
“This expansion was intended to enhance comfort and improve our service delivery. Nevertheless, the high turnout, which has exceeded our expectations, highlights the urgent demand for passport services, which we are taking very seriously.”
He said they were fully committed to improve this situation.
“Additional measures to streamline processes and increase efficiency are being explored.”
