MP Warns of Wait for First Time Passport Applicants
Tuesday 8th January 2008
Kilmarnock and Loudoun MP, Des Browne, wishes to highlight that members of the public may face a six-week wait to obtain a new passport if they are applying for the first time.
Returning to work after the festive holidays and in conjunction with our winter weather many people start planning for their summer break. However as a result of anti-fraud measures introduced last year adults applying for their first passport are now called for an interview. However those renewing passports will still be able to use the one-week fast track service.
The interviews for first-time adult customers build on other anti-fraud measures that have been introduced such as enhanced background checks and more secure passports with your photo contained on a chip.
Des Browne said:
“It is understandable that during the cold freeze of winter people like to look ahead and plan a holiday. However I would urge my constituents to check now that their passports will not be out of date and if applying for the first time to do so with sufficient time.”
These measures follow last month’s changes to child passports which mean that
16 and 17-year-olds will be able to apply for a passport and change their name without seeking parental consent. Furthermore there is a new requirement that under-12 passport renewals obtain a countersignature confirming that the new photo is of the same child as the baby in the original passport photo.
Des Browne said:
“The aim of these changes to child passports is to recognise that many 16 and 17-year-olds live independently as at the age of 16 compulsory education ends and National Insurance numbers are issued. Furthermore the changes will help to tackle human trafficking.”
