Lyna Mohamad
The Immigration and National Registration Department (INRD) is getting two thumbs up for swiftly ironing out issues concerning the renewal and application for new travel documents.
Revised operating hours mean the public will no longer be required to queue in the wee hours of the morning in hopes of securing a number, reserving them a slot to be served.
This had been the case in the run-up to the recent school term break, for families looking for a quick getaway following the re-opening of borders.
Speaking to the Sunday Bulletin, Normin lauded the department for the excellent solution to solving the issue quickly. She had learnt of the previous lengthy wait time and long queues through word of mouth and via social media.
“My children and I are here to renew our passports and so far everything is moving like clockwork. The staff is courteous and helpful. We didn’t even have to wait long to get a queue number,” she added.
Wali from Kampong Bengkurong decided to try his luck after being told by friends that the queue was fast moving.
“I arrived to find the situation calm. After securing a slot, I only had to wait briefly,” he said, adding that his sisters, who renewed their passports before the revised operating hours, had turned up at the INRD as early as 4am.
Meanwhile, David Wong said, “It is good to see there are no more long queues, with less time required to complete the process. I used my lunch hour to come here. I realised how smooth sailing it was and opted to go ahead with the process.”
David had previously been put off by the idea of visiting the INRD after learning of the build-up of intending travellers.
Norliyana from Bandar Seri Begawan said, “Thank you INRD for relieving our grief. Now we no longer need to go through the hectic, exhausting process of renewing our passports. Everything is smooth sailing and efficient.”
Lauding the move to extend the hours with no breaks in between, she said, “This allows the working folks to drop by during lunch break or after their work.”
A senior couple, who opted to remain anonymous, also heaped praise on the department for creating a separate channel for senior citizen applications.
The Travel Documents Section service counters at the INRD headquarters operates from 7am to 7pm Monday to Thursday and on Saturday, while special service counters (on the third floor) including those for senior citizens aged 60 and above, operates from 8am to 5pm. The collection counters at the Law Enforcement Division on the ground floor is open from Monday to Thursday and Saturday from 8am to 5pm, and 8am to 11am every Friday.
The department advises the public to complete application forms and bring related documents to ensure a smooth process. Individuals keen on making an application either at the Travel Documents Section or Identity Card Section, must be present to collect a queue number. Meanwhile, application forms can be downloaded from the INRD website.
