A senior spokesperson from the Bribery and Corruption Commission has revealed that an extensive investigation is underway following complaints of large-scale corruption in the Department of Immigration and Emigration’s passport issuance process.
According to initial findings, the current shortage of passports has been artificially created, with an estimated 3,000 passports needing to be issued per day to meet demand. Due to this manipulation, the backlog is expected to extend well into next year. The spokesperson assured that political authorities and officials responsible for fabricating this shortage will soon face legal action.
Both the Controller of Immigration and Emigration and the Secretary of the Ministry overseeing the department have been summoned for questioning. Additionally, reports suggest that one officer implicated in the corruption is attempting to flee the country under the pretense of a business trip.
The ongoing crisis has led to kilometer-long queues of people waiting outside passport offices, creating growing frustration and even raising security concerns. With substantial evidence already gathered, arrests are expected soon, with charges to be filed in the High Court against those responsible.
