Security of passport issuance system strengthened

Security of passport issuance system has been further strengthened by taking fingerprints of all fingers when issuing passports.

Department of Immigration and Emigration said that though finger prints of right and left thumb has been taken previously, finger prints of ten fingers are collected when issuing passports now.

Immigration Department said that passports issued after the change, can help to get the details of the passport holders by taking fingerprint of one of the fingers when they want to renew their passports.

Immigration has urged the people to be cooperative and supportive with the change brought by the department for safety of the people.

With the changes brought to the system, Immigration partner agencies can enter data in the application form and the system is now capable of printing passports from atolls, said Immigration Department.

Immigration Department has also decided to arrange facility to make passports by using soft copies of passport size photos and not to submit National Identity Card for passport application.

In order to provide easy access to apply for passports, Immigration Department said that they have plans to accept online application of passports in a near future.