The production of passports has been temporarily halted due to a malfunction in the Immigration Department’s printing machinery, as confirmed by Prime Minister and Minister for Immigration, Sitiveni Rabuka. He noted that this technical issue has impacted not only regular passport applications but also emergency requests.
“There is a current breakdown in the passport printing machine,” Mr. Rabuka stated. “A glitch has caused a suspension in a significant amount of passport printing, which means that many emergency applications and other passport issuances will be delayed.”
This disruption follows an earlier notice from August when the Immigration Department initially informed the public about challenges with the passport printers. During that time, then-permanent secretary for Immigration, Mason Smith, acknowledged the ongoing technical difficulties and urged the public for their understanding while services were being restored.
As a result of the current suspension, many citizens and residents are experiencing delays in obtaining new or renewed passports. The government is encouraging patience from the public as they work to resolve the issue. However, the Immigration Department has not provided any specific timeline for when passport printing will resume, leaving many in anticipation of further updates.
While this situation is frustrating for those in need of travel documents, it also presents an opportunity for the Immigration Department to address these technical challenges comprehensively. Restoring these services efficiently can ultimately improve the passport processing experience for everyone in the future.
The commitment to keeping the public informed during this time is commendable, and with timely updates, the situation can be managed effectively, bringing hope for a swift resolution.
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