The race to migrate: Immigration Dept. issues over 50K passports monthly

• Highest issuance of passports 74,890 in March
• Jan.-May 288,645 passports issued and 2022 likely to be record year
• Total passports issued last year was 382,506
• Analysts suggest Dept. should work 24x7 to clear backlog and pent-up demand

By Charumini de Silva

The Department of Immigration and Emigration said the demand for passports have increased significantly over the past two months, as a result of the multiple crises faced by the public. 

As per the Department statistics, over 50,000 passports were issued monthly during the first five months of the year.

The highest number 74,890 passports were issued in March, whilst in January 52,278, February 55,381, April 53,151 and May 52,945 passports were issued. 

Last year, the Department issued 382,506 passports, whilst the cumulative passports issued during the first five months In the Department's history the highest number of passports issued was in 2016 at 658,725,is 288,645 – which clearly indicates the high demand for passports and analysts in 2022 it is likely to break that record.

Given recent long queues, they said the Department should operate 24x7 to clear the backlog. Some alleged public’s wait is over 1 or 2 months.

A spokesperson from the Department said that the maximum number of passports issued through its one-day service is around 2,500, adding that it was impossible to issue passports for every application submitted on a daily basis. This has also resulted in a backlog of applications to issue passports under the normal procedure at present.

Following the technical glitch in the system experienced early last month, the Department announced that the prior appointments to hand over passport applications has been made mandatory from 10 May. 

The one-day passports service was resumed on 17 May, which was also suspended due to urgent maintenance of the computer system.

Although the one-day service is only available from the Head Office in Battaramulla, the normal service can be obtained from the regional offices in Matara, Kurunegala, Kandy and Vavuniya. 

The Department of Immigration and Emigration said the applicants can make their prior appointments via the website http://www.immigration.gov.lk/ or by contacting  +94707101060. Services will be provided from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on public working days if the telephone number is used.