NEW CHANGES IN PASSPORT

NEW CHANGES IN PASSPORT

PASSPORT PHOTOS CANNOT BE OBTAINED FROM VARIOUS PLACES HEREAFTER

SEPARATE PASSPORTS FOR SMALL CHILDREN

SHOULD GO TO OFFICE TO GIVE FINGERPRINT MARK

According to the new methodology of obtaining a new passport in Sri Lanka, several new changes are to be implemented, it is reported. 

Accordingly, obtaining photographs of the applicants are to be effected in a different manner while a new system of taking fingerprints has been introduced. According to the new system photos obtained

from various places are not considered valid. Under such circumstances the applicant is expected to contact only photo studios that are registered and copies of photos obtained there cannot be obtained by the applicant. Only the receipt can be obtained. Owners of the photo studio would be sending the photos across secretly to the department and according to the receipt number it would be identified and inserted in the passport. According to the system that hitherto prevailed, small children were not given the passport and details of the children were included in the parents' passport. As for the new passport, it is compulsory that new passports have to be prepared for children separately. Providing fingerprints too has been imperative for those over 16 years of age. It should be done at the department itself.

A commercial advertisement has been published in today's newspapers detailing about this new system regarding registered photo studios and application forms on the Immigration and Emigration Websites. Whatever it is, it was found that until this afternoon (6) it had not been updated. On an inquiry made by us what we were made to understand by Mr. P.V. Gunatilleka, Additional Administrator General was that since the past system is still in operation, updating the new system had being delayed but that the change concerned would be effected by this evening (6) onwards. 

The newspaper advertisement published about this change, from BELOW

ATTENTION OF THE PUBLIC IS DRAWN TOWARDS THE UNDERMENTIONED PARTICULARS WITH REGARD TO THE NEW CHANGES TO BE EFFECTED

HANDING OVER OF APPLICATION FORM

1. The amended "K35A" form should be made use of to suit according to the requirements.

2. The application forms could be obtained from the main office of the department or from provincial offices and district secretariat offices situated in Matara, Kandy and Vavuniya and from our website www.immigration.gov.lk also.

3. As fingerprints have to be obtained, every applicant is expected to be present at the main office of the department in person and hand over the application.

PHOTOGRAPH OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARD

1. Printed photographs will not be accepted by the department after the above-mentioned date. All applicants are requested to obtain photographs from a photo studio registered with the department all over the island or from the main office of the department and from a photo studio established with the provincial office. 

2. A printed photo will not be provided by the relevant photo studio and your photograph will be forwarded to the data base of the department across online methodology. 

3. A receipt will be issued to you by the photo studio and it is compulsory that you produce it together with your application. 

4. The list of registered photo studios will be displayed by our website www.immigration.gov.lk and district secretariat offices and provincial secretariat offices.

FINGERPRINTS

1. According to provisions of No. 20 of the Emigration and Immigration Act of 19.18 Amendment of No. 7, 2013 Act. every applicant above age 16 years should provide his/her fingerprint. Obtaining such fingerprints will be done only at the main office and provincial offices.

2. Children under 16 years of age need not provide their fingerprints. However, those who have obtained passports without providing fingerprints should note that it is imperative that they should provide their fingerprints at the main office or a provincial office once they complete their 16th year.

3. Any such person who has been overseas should visit the main office or a provincial office to provide his/her fingerprints on the very first instance he/she comes to Sri Lanka.

PLEASE NOTE

Including children under 16 years of age in their parents' passports will hereafter be not in operation and it is imperative that separate passports be obtained by them.