The Department of Passports and Immigration recently implemented a key measure to tackle its passport issuance backlog by acquiring ten advanced printing machines. According to sources, these machines are anticipated to accelerate the processing of passport applications, addressing a delay issue that has troubled the department for more than a year.
In May, the department submitted a formal requisition to the Ministry of Home Affairs to acquire new passport printing machines. This initiative aimed to resolve the longstanding delays impacting applicants across the country. The newly acquired equipment, sourced from international manufacturers, includes six desktop models and two specialized e-passport models. Each machine is capable of printing up to 1,000 passports per hour, enhancing the department’s overall capacity.
The delays have led to an estimated backlog of 800,000 pending applications nationwide. Over the past year, the passport issuance process has posed significant challenges, particularly for students planning to enroll in foreign universities, professionals seeking overseas employment, and patients needing urgent medical treatment abroad. Many citizens have reported traveling long distances just to apply or inquire about the status of their passports.
Despite the department’s commitment to a 21-day processing timeline, countless applicants have faced extensive delays, with some waiting months even after paying for ‘urgent’ processing. The activation of these new machines is expected to reduce processing times significantly, ultimately providing timely service to applicants and relieving pressure on the department.
