By Rathindra Kuruwita
Senior officials at the Department of Immigration and Emigration, appointed during the Ranil Wickremesinghe administration, are misleading Minister Vijitha Herath regarding issues surrounding passport issuance, the Sri Lanka Immigration and Emigration Officers’ Association (SLIEOA) has said.
The SLIEOA has in a media statement, highlighted that despite the department having access to the necessary data to streamline immigration processes, a lack of foresight and inadequate planning have led to the current passport crisis.
The association pointed out that one of the main reasons for the crisis is a shortage of blank passports due to the department’s failure to accurately forecast demand. Furthermore, attempts to introduce online systems for applications and procurement were unsuccessful, as these initiatives were poorly planned and lacked proper testing.
SLIEOA also criticised the department’s decision-making approach, noting that a small group of officials, appointed for their loyalty to the Wickremesinghe administration, have made key decisions without consulting permanent staff. This includes implementing online systems without pilot projects or feasibility studies, failing to monitor or evaluate the outcomes of these projects, and following political instructions without logical assessment.
The association noted several underlying issues aggravating the situation, including a surge in demand for foreign travel permits post-pandemic, delays in procuring sufficient stock of travel permits, and the absence of a dedicated, high-standard printing facility for travel documents. Although the Court of Appeal authorised the acquisition of 750,000 blank permits in October, only a small portion of these had been delivered by late October, falling short of the necessary quantity.
The SLIEOA highlighted the lack of accurate information on available stock, which has caused public confusion and delays in processing applications. Additionally, an ineffective system for addressing public grievances has left applicants without a reliable channel for resolving their issues, leading to growing frustration.
Calling for improved planning and transparent decision-making, the SLIEOA emphasised the need for an efficient complaint resolution system to restore public confidence in the passport issuance process. The association urged the department to re-evaluate its decision-making practices to address current issues and prevent future disruptions.
