Question
CEF 14 2024 Passport renewal process
Question:
Can details please be provided as to why the renewing of passports seems to take around 2-3 months.
Constituents report that despite having made payment for their passport renewal, and paperwork having been given to the Police, the passport is then not actually posted to the UK until “they have a few to send at once”, sometimes leading to an unnecessary longer wait for the passport to even begin its renewal process in the UK.
On a remote island like Ascension, where the ability to leave is already somewhat limited, not having your passport for months at a time is not good. Especially if there is a family emergency and quick travel is essential. With the airbridge leaving for the UK twice weekly, there is no excuse for these passports to be hoarded. They should be sent as soon as possible to ensure a speedy return.
Can the AIG please explain why passport applications are being held like this and confirm how often passport applications are actually sent to the UK.
AIG response:
The Royal St Helena Police Service (RSHPS) detachment on Ascension is responsible for receiving, checking and forwarding passport applications to HM Passport Office (HMPO) in the United Kingdom. In response to your enquiry, Inspector Stevens has confirmed to the Ascension Island Government that passport applications are sent to HMPO on a weekly basis.
In instances when an applicant has not submitted the required documentation, a representative of the RSHPS detachment will contact the applicant to advise them and, if required, request additional supporting evidence. Once documents are received, the application is despatched. Passports and any original supporting documentation submitted to HMPO are returned to Ascension Island securely on a regular basis, but naturally postal transit times to and from the UK will extend the overall passport processing time.
Passport processing delays at HMPO can and do occur, particularly around the busy summer holiday season in the UK, and are beyond the control of the RSHPS detachment. Further information can be found on HM Passport Office - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Councillor Worthington
Submitted: 25 September 2024
Response: 3 October 2024
