Minister for National Security, Rayburn Blackmoore has made it clear that presently there is no backlog at the immigration department as it relates to the issuance of ePassports.
He was addressing a national security press conference on Monday.
“You may recall at the earlier stage of the migration from the machine-readable passport to the ePassport there was a rush and as a consequence you had the process time being more prolonged than what previously obtained,” he said. “As a responsible government, we ensured that we put systems in place to address that situation.”
He continued, “Namely, we hired or employed additional staff, we procured an additional printer, and we had a 3-shift system.”
Blackmoore added, “We had got to a point because of the system that was put in place where applicants were getting their passports after one week of application. That happens nowhere in the Caribbean”
In fact, he stated that in the contractual arrangement, there was a set number of books that were fully utilized.
“As a responsible government we approved 50,000 additional books,” Blackmoore noted. “I am happy to report here this morning that we have no backlog at the immigration department. As a matter of fact, I call on you who have been called by the immigration department to pick up your passport to do so.”
Furthermore, he revealed that presently there are 214 ePassports awaiting pick-up.
Meanwhile, Blackmoore said the processing time to be issued with an ePassport is now two weeks.
He said the Government of Dominica will continue to put more systems in place within the immigration system to ensure that the service delivery at the Immigration Department is even more efficient going forward.
The new passport contains both overt and covert security features that are woven into the design as well as a microchip that is used to authenticate the passport holder’s identity, adhering to the highest international standard.
According to the Canadian Bank Note Company Limited which designed and created the new passports, they have incorporated a modern and aesthetic design that reflects the nature of Dominica and displays the country’s landmarks, flora, and fauna.
The application process remains the same as for the machine-readable passport. Applicants are required to download the forms from the government website at www.dominica.gov.dm or pick up a physical copy at the immigration department. Applicants are also required to submit along with the applications, two passport-size photos, an original birth certificate, marriage certificate, certificate of naturalization where applicable, and the current or expired passport.
The cost to apply for an ePassport will remain the same at EC$150 for citizens above the age of 16 years and $75 for those under.
Why does one need a marriage certificate to apply for a passport?
Alight man! ive had enough. Lets call absolute nonsense absolute nonsense! WHO THE HELL IS CUTTING RAYBURN BLACKMORE’S HAIR? glass bottle that person using man? Then pass a black shoe polish or hair spray on top? Noo boy all you have to do much much better in that country. And is them kind of man all you have running the country? Mr. is a psychopath to come out in public with his head looking like that
haha not gonna lie that onen give me a good laugh. The people giving thumbs down have no sense of humor
Absolutely none. Or maybe is his barber and the rest is his little woman and them