Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden says passport processing has returned to normal, with the Department of Internal Affairs now advising customers to allow up to two weeks to receive their passport.
“I am pleased that passport processing is back at target service levels and the Department has assured me that there are appropriate measures in place to ensure that wait times are managed effectively, ensuring Kiwis and their families can continue to get their passports quickly and in time for their travel,” says Ms van Velden.
“I understand how much New Zealanders value and expect an efficient passport service. Passport processing times is a key priority for the Department and I thank them for their hard work in restoring public trust in passport wait times.”
The Minister says an upgrade to the passport processing software in March caused unexpected delays to passport processing times. At its peak, wait times stretched to 10 weeks.
In the final week of August, 93% of passports were issued within two weeks.
Ms van Velden called for ongoing updates on the issue until the wait times were back on track and delays resolved.
“The Department’s target was to be issuing 90% of passports within two weeks, by September. The Department has met this target and I congratulate them because this means Kiwis can now have confidence that they will apply and receive their passport on time.”
“The upgrade to the passports system implemented in March was the most significant in over a decade. Applying for passports online are a lot easier now because of the upgrade and new options, such as group/family applications online helps Kiwis better plan for their travels overseas,” she said.
