And while they’re digitizing the vital statistics unit – today we were reminded that there’s no way to guard against human error.  7 News has confirmed that a Department of Immigration staffer seriously messed up someone’s expiring passport.  Here’s what happened: the individual took in their Belize passport with a US Visa to be renewed.  In cases such as these, the edges of the cover are clipped, and the first five pages can be stamped cancelled.  But, after that no other pages should be stamped. Well, in this case, they stamped all the pages, including the one with the valid US Visa!Â
It has caused quite a little stir in the department because that’s $320 dollars down the drain.  The person has asked the department for compensation, but we are told the Department is only offering a letter which they can give to the US Embassy.Â
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