Passport issuance restricted amid shortage of blank books

Despite a severe shortage of blank passport books, large numbers of people are still turning up to apply for new passports. The high demand is causing extended wait times and growing frustration among applicants.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration yesterday (26) announced that passport issuance will need to be restricted due to a shortage of blank passports.

In a statement, the department urged only those with urgent needs to apply for passports at this time.

The department also noted that new electronic passports are set to be introduced, with a tender already awarded to an international company to provide this service.

Although steps have been taken to secure more blank passports, with an order placed for 750,000 passport books, the department stated that the delivery of these books is expected by the end of October.

Sri Lanka is currently grappling with several challenges in passport issuance, primarily due to the lack of a proper system and the shortage of passport books.

Earlier this month, Public Security Minister Tiran Alles admitted that delays in the tender process for the new passports have contributed to the current difficulties. He noted that while around 3,000 passports are typically issued daily, only 900 are currently being processed due to the ongoing situation.