Govt: ‘Passport Timeframes Unchanged’
“His Majesty’s Passport Office recently advised the Ministry that the previously stated passport processing timeframes of 11 weeks will remain unchanged,” the Government said.
A Government spokesperson said, “The Ministry of Economy and Labour advises the general public that more than 1,000 Passport Office workers in the UK, who are members of the Public and Commercial Services Union [PCS], began a five-week strike on April 3, 2023 in a dispute over jobs, pay, pensions and conditions.
“Since March 17, the Department of Immigration has sought information on the impact on Bermuda British Overseas Territory Citizen [BOTC] passport applicants. His Majesty’s Passport Office recently advised the Ministry that the previously stated passport processing timeframes of 11 weeks will remain unchanged.
“While this is good news, the strike is expected to continue until May 5, so BOTC Bermuda passport holders needing a first-time or renewed passport are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Potential applicants are advised not to make travel plans unless they possess a valid passport. The passport application form, current fees and bank details are available online at the Department of Immigration.
“At this time, the Ministry also wishes to advise the public of the following changes within the Department of Immigration coming into effect on April 10:
- 1. Hours of operation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- 2. Passport applications will be vetted at the Front Counter.
- 3. Only passport and emergency applications [passports and Short Term Work Permits] can be submitted at the Front Counter; all other applications must be submitted via the Drop Box located in the Department’s reception area.
- 4. The Drop Box located outside the Department will be removed from service.
- 5. Work permits will be available for collection from a dedicated window at the front counter.”
Why cant we wait in line to have passports reviewed first? The problem with the drop box is that there is no confirmation from anyone at Immigration that anyone has actually received and reviewed the documents. Two years ago, I attempted to have my mothers passport reviewed but was forced to leave it in the drop box. I was told if there was a problem I would be notified right away. A week later I attempted to call for an update and could never get anyone to answer, so I went there in person. That is when I learned that the phone number listed on the gov.bm website had been changed but not updated on the website. I was then told that if I had not been contacted that everything must be okay and that no news was good news! Huh? Would it not make more sense for someone to use the information requested (email and phone numbers) to confirm that ones application had been received and reviewed and that all is good – or not! Anyway sixteen weeks go by so I decided to check up. Spoke to the same staff member twice who promised to call me back. She never did. So, I decided to go in person. Fortunately, this time I was assisted by a lovely and helpful young lady. Apparently Ms. X was “not available” to talk to me in person but the young lady promised me that she would contact me personally with an update. She did and the news was not good. The passport was in Bermuda because there was a question (I don’t remember what it was) but it was answered over the phone. Immigration Dept. MINISTER HAYWARD stop letting our Civil Servants rule over you and dictate how they will work. If you truly believe that receiving passport applications or other legal documents with NO receipt or confirmation is a good idea and acceptable than we are truly lost. The reason that they WONT do this is because none of them want to be held accountable – PERIOD!. Its always been that way at the immigration department. Nobody ever knows who had or has your documents and if you agree to leave and come back, they stop looking. FIX IT Minister Hayward!
That is all very well and good. But how long does it take our Department of Immigration to send application for a passport renewal to the U.K. before the 11 week clock starts running?
I see that “The Ministry of Economy and Labour advises the general public that more than 1,000 Passport Office workers in the UK …”, but what about the 1 or 2 here? What are they doing?
I’m reading that the passport allocation time is 11 Weeks I submitted my Renewal Passport in June 2022,six months before it’s expiry It is now April 2023 I submitted my Renewal Passport in January 2022 was then told I required to send my Jamaican passport by then HMPO claim they never received passport that my Jamaican Documents arrived late even though there is no mention on application I then rec’d another Application in August 2022 HMPO said they did receive second Application but it arrived to late even though their letter was typed on the same arrival date of the 30th Aug 22 Up till now I still haven’t received anything
The 11 weeks is the U.K. turnaround time. Add to that the 11 months at the Bermuda Department of Immigration.
Dept. of Immigration is lazy, incompetent and an impedance to business and the community alike.
More news at 10.
I fully agree. A more useless bunch of rude, lazy amateurs would be hard to find.
Just don’t use their services. There are other more reliable options. Cost more but worth it.
What services? Please advise — I’m in dire need.
There’s a place in The moneyshop Washington mall. They have been doing passports for years already. they do British passports too. I get all my passports done through them. There is another option as well but I can’t remember exactly where it is. Lie I said it cost more but I guarantee you tou won’t be waiting 7 months to a year.
“There are other more reliable options”
To renew my Bermuda passport? Please let me know what those options are!
I applied to renew my Bermuda passport 7 1/2 months ago and I’ve heard nothing from the Department of Immigration since December.
Don’t renew it, it’s worthless. Not worth the paper it’s printed on.
Folks like you complain about Bermuda but still prefer to live here instead of your rat hole country..
My rat hole country is Bermuda, fool.
It’s a rathole because of the bigots, like you.
I bet they save you time by being predictably nasty every time you call them though.
They have e-mail now. There is no need to dial 5-5151 anymore!
I renewed both my Bermuda and British passports at the same time through The Money Shop a few years ago , was easy and efficient .