Online first-time passport applications a possibility with NIDS
/ Our Today
administrator
The implementation of the National Identification System (NIDS) is expected to provide the opportunity for persons applying for a passport for the first time to do so online.
Andrew Wynter, chief executive officer of the Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA), outlined the benefit which would address a major frustration of new passport applicants as he addressed a virtual town hall on the National Identification and Registration Act, 2020, last Thursday (January 28).
“Where NIDS could provide that kind of reassurance and security of identity, and the unique identity credentials for that person, then I certainly see that there’ll be an opportunity, in the future, for us to use that data to facilitate first-time applicants,” Wynter said.
ONLINE APPLICATIONS CURRENTLY FOR RENEWALS ONLY
PICA’s online facility is currently limited to the renewal of documents by adults only.
“Currently, with adult renewal, we have what we call a simplified renewal and because we already have the majority of the data for the adult… a justice of the peace (JP) does not have to do that declaration. Particularly in this time now, you can go online and complete your passport renewal, and this is for adults only,” he said.
The National Identification and Registration Act, 2020, makes provision for a voluntary and secure national identification system for Jamaica.
The layered rollout and management of the NIDS will be handled by a new agency, the National Identification and Registration Authority (NIRA), which will replace the Registrar General’s Department (RGD) and provide more enhanced services.
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