Immigration Department office open today

• Department decides to increase daily issuance of passports from 2,000 to 3,500 to cater to pent-up demand and clear backlog 
• Introduces two work shifts for Department staff 
• Issues 31,725 passports during the first 10 days, which previously used to be around 10,000
• Department decides to issue passports via all District Secretariats from next year

The Department of Immigration and Emigration announced that the head office in Battaramulla and other regional offices will remain open as usual today, despite being declared a holiday for Government offices.

The Department said such measures are being taken to ensure essential services provided are maintained without interruption.

As the number of people applying for travel documents has increased significantly by the day, the Department has decided to expand its issuance of passports by 1,500 through its one-day service.

The Department on average issues around 2,000 passports under its one-day service. However, given the high demand for passports and to clear the backlog, it has decided to increase the number of daily passport issuances to 3,500. 

Sri Lanka’s demand for passports has increased significantly over the past two months, as a result of the multiple crises faced by the public. 

People from around the country visit the Immigration and Emigration Department head office in Battaramulla daily, as it is the only office that issues passports within the same day. 

However, over the past few weeks, it was evident that people used to sleep on the premises and wait in long queues for days despite the adverse weather conditions till their appointment is called, as travelling back and forth is also very expensive given the fuel shortage.

Analysts pointed out the Department should operate 24x7 to clear the backlog. Some alleged public’s wait is over one or two months for their passports. 

To cater to this pent-up demand, a decision has been taken to divide the Department staff into two separate work shifts. The first shift will be from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the second shift from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

The Department of Immigration and Emigration Deputy Controller of Immigration and Emigration Piumi Bandara said a total of 31,725 passports were issued during the first 10 days of the month.

Previously, on average the number of passports issued within 10 days was around 10,000.

The Department has decided to issue passports through all District Secretariats, from the beginning of next year.

The initiative will be worked off similarly to the passport issuance at the main and regional offices of the Department of Immigration and Emigration.

The Public Administration and Management Ministry said they expect the move will further help reduce the congestion within the Department.