All across the country today, the different offices of the Immigration Department held open day's where they provided information most vital to the public, along with in an depth explanation of the passport application process.
Since the Ministry of Immigration and Nationality changed the process, many members of the public have complained that it is now a great annoyance to get their passports.
So 7News dropped by the Immigration Office in Belize City and asked about it. Here's what the officers told us:
Camille Ottley - Immigration Clerk 1
"What's happening is that we're celebrating our 27th Anniversary. We've been a department from June 1986 so we're having an information day where we are just giving out snacks and souvenirs and information to anyone who comes in - countrywide."
Daniel Ortiz
"What sort of information do people from the public come looking for at the Immigration department?"
Camille Ottley
"Most people come in to find out more about the passport process since we changed it earlier this year."
Daniel Ortiz
"Tell us about the new passport requirements and steps because I understand many people in the public are frustrated at this new passport system has come into place - they think it takes too long."
Camille Ottley
"Basically we have a form, one for adults and minors. What changed is the section for Justice of the Peace where they sign. You need to attach $1.50 stamp for each section as well either a JP - the form has who can sign it. A passport sized photo needs to be attached to each section to that and for the minors then the parents have to bring in all their identification to prove that they are the parents - it's very straight forward."
Daniel Ortiz
"So tell us about renewing your passport. What's that process like since the change."
Camille Ottley
"With the renewal of the passport you would have to bring in the old passport of course, fill in the application form - it's the same fee, unless you want it urgently then you would have to do it in Belmopan. The fees for that has changed as well."
Daniel Ortiz
"is there anything special other than bringing in a passport and filling out a new form?"
Camille Ottley
"The section as I mentioned earlier for the Justice of the Peace"
Daniel Ortiz
"We all have to go through that step?"
Camille Ottley
"Yes everybody has to go through the same steps."
Applications for passports can be picked up at any of the Immigration Offices countrywide.
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