THE new blank e-passport book stock is running low due to the ongoing high demand for passports.
As a result, there will be no new enrolment or new applications accepted, the Passport Unit in the Immigration Department said in a statement last week.
The statement explained that printing and new applications can only be done once new e-passport books arrive.
“Orders are now being processed,” the statement added.
“Now we are running out of new blank e-passport books. Therefore, as of the coming weeks, there will be no printing of passports. This means there will be no enrolment (no new applications) as well until we receive our new order.
“It’s not clear when the next consignment will arrive,” the statement further added.
The Passport Unit said it will only release passports that have been printed.
“We will only issue out all the ready printed books in the coming weeks while waiting for the passport books to arrive.”
The demand for passports rises as more Solomon Islanders are applying for seasonal work in Australia and New Zealand.
Some of the recruitment agents from Australia were in the country last week to conduct recruitments.
By MOFFAT MAMU
