The year 2022 has been a very exciting year for travelers. After the travel restrictions were lifted and borders have been reopened, everyone took the first chance they got in booking flight tickets to set out on their adventure. It doesn’t really matter where, so long as they can go somewhere unfamiliar and experience new things.
But for those who are unprepared to travel, one of the most hassling preparations one must do is to apply for or renew your passport. Even though you can renew your passport online from the comfort of your own home, it may not be the most convenient way for some people. But fret not, there may be somewhere you can go to get your passport renewed.
Previously, the Immigration Department has issued a statement back in May informing the public that all passport renewals must be done through the new MyOnline Passport system. They also provided a step-by-step guide on how to do it but did not specify on how long the waiting process will take. Having said that, it is still a convenient way for those who have internet access but lack the time to visit the office.
Recently, the Selangor Immigration Department posted on their official Facebook announcing that they’ve successfully initiated the MyOnline Passport Kiosk. The purpose of the new facility is to speed up the process of applying, obtaining and renewing a passport at the Selangor Urban Transformation Centre (UTC), especially during peak hours. According to TheRakyatPost, it is said that the process only takes 45 minutes.
This initiation is in line with the increasing number of passport applicants, which was said to be as many as 2900 applications per day and estimated to almost reach 60,000 applications per month. Based on the statement, the categories that are eligible for this Kiosk facility are as such:
- Applicants aged 13 years and above (Not applying for passport for the first time)
- Individuals who lost or damaged their passports
- Students aged 21 years and under who wish to further their studies abroad
- Senior citizens and PWD (People With Disabilities) (First-timers are eligible for this category)
Netizens have expressed concern that the new MyOnline Passport Kiosk will cause the Immigration Department office at UTC to be even more crowded than before. With this in mind, the department is planning to roll out the service in all states to reduce the number of complaints of long lines and waiting time.
Sources: Facebook, TheRakyatPost
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