Already behind schedule, a final recommendation on machine-readable passports, secure visas and work permit documents should be ready for the government “shortly,” according to Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell.
“I also need to advise the public that there are likely to be substantial increases in the cost of passports [and] visa documents once the new ones are available,” said Minister Mitchell, while concluding his contribution to the 2006/2007 budget debate in the House of Assembly yesterday.
He said provisions have been made for a $1.2 million increase for the computerization of passports and visas.
The 2005/2006 budget earmarked $500,000 for the process.
The minister was however quick to point out that the $1.2 million will not be enough to finance the implementation.
“There will probably be some financing arrangement, but the allocation is there to provide the basis for the startup process and I am advised that the Department of Immigration will share the cost,” Minister Mitchell said.
In a recent interview with the Bahama Journal, Minister Mitchell explained that the delays in introducing the new documents came about due to a change in the standards relating to what information would be included in the travel documents.
This in turn translated into the system being that more expensive, he said.
The government had hoped that the machine-readable passports would have been in place by this month.
Machine-readable passports, which have certain biometric data entered on the data page, are a key step in meeting International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) global objectives.
The document is designed to minimise delays in border crossing formalities and to safeguard international civil aviation operations against acts of unlawful interference.
The U.S Department of State has said the passports are expected to help deter fraud and quickly confirm a passport holderﾒs identity, as they would be that much more difficult to forge.
Yesterday, Minister Mitchell also announced plans to pursue amendments to several pieces of legislation, including the Pensions Act and the Judges Pension Act.
The plan is to also seek to correct the anomaly for the late Lois Symonette, a long-time public servant.
By: Macushla N. Pinder, The Bahama Journal
