Next month, the Ministry of immigration will be launching a new application process for electronic passports through the Electronic Passport Issuance and Control System.
"e-PICS", as it is called, along with the e-Passports will be more secure and will be more efficient when being processed through modern border management systems. The e-Passport will include an electronic chip to safeguard the user's personal information and photograph as well as a verification feature for use at smart gates at international borders.
And to implement this new system, the ministry is informing the public that there will be interruptions in services provided by the Nationality and Passports Departments effective October 11. That's because the operators of the new system will receive training from then until the 21st, and during that period, only expedited and medical emergency passport applications will be accepted.
Then on October 17, the acceptance of passport applications will be suspended and regular services will resume during the week of October 24th, when citizens will be able to apply for the new e-passports.
