Residents of Region One (Barima/Waini) and Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam) can now access immigration and passport services at Anna Regina, on the Essequibo Coast.
The Central Immigration and Passport Office announced on Monday that with effect from November 1, the Anna Regina Immigration and Passport Office, located at the Anna Regina Police Station, is operational.
The new office is expected to bring relief to residents of the two regions, who previously would have to travel to George-town to access the services.
In a press release, the Central Immigration and Passport Office said the new office was set up in keeping with the current government’s promise to decentralise government services in all the administrative regions.
Passport applications will be accepted from 07:00 hrs to noon and passports will be issued from 09:00 hrs to 11:00 hrs on business days.
The press release stated that persons who are applying for a passport for the first time must have in their possession a completed application form, birth certificate (an original and copy), National Identification Card (ID), a passport size photograph and the sum of $6,000.
In addition, persons who are applying for a new passport either because their documents are filled or due to a name change by way of marriage, divorce or deed poll, should also have the same documents with the exception of their ID card, as well as the old passport or the marriage certificate, original deed poll document, or divorce absolute.
The release added that “in a situation where one’s passport was damaged or stolen, the individual should bring along a police report with a sworn affidavit signed before a Justice of Peace, Notary Public or Commissioner of Oaths, stating the circumstances causing the passport to be lost, stolen or damaged.”
However, in the case where an individual is not in possession of his/her ID card, they can be identified by a parent, a sibling of eighteen (18) years or older and who shares one or both parents or a legally married spouse. In addition, the person who recommended the applicant can also identify them in the presence of the Immigration Officials and they must have their ID card, birth certificate or marriage certificate in their possession.
The new office will also dealing with the submission of old age pension letters, and endorsement of obligation and no longer obligated stamps in passports.
