Foreign Affairs Ministry Urges Completion of Pending Passport Applications

Foreign Affairs Ministry Urges Completion of Pending Passport Applications by October 18 to Avoid Invalidation

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has issued an important notice to individuals who applied for passports before April 1, 2024, but have not yet completed their biometric capture. The Ministry is calling on these applicants to visit their assigned Passport Application Centres (PACs) to complete the biometric stage of the application process by October 18, 2024.

This announcement was made through a press release dated September 18, 2024, which stressed the importance of completing biometric data collection. Without this step, applications cannot be processed, and the Ministry is emphasizing that biometric capture is a crucial part of the passport application procedure.

The Ministry’s directive is clear: any application that remains incomplete beyond the October 18 deadline will be considered invalid. This means that individuals who do not meet this requirement risk having their applications canceled and will need to start the process over, which may cause delays and potential financial loss.

The statement from the Ministry further stressed that this timeline is non-negotiable, and applicants should act swiftly to avoid any issues or setbacks. The Ministry is keen on preventing any last-minute rush and is encouraging applicants to take action as soon as possible.

For applicants who applied under the old fees of GHC100 and GHC150, the situation is even more pressing. The Ministry has stated that applications submitted with these fees will no longer be valid after October 18, 2024. This is due to an increase in passport fees that took effect on April 1, 2024, under the Fees and Charges (Miscellaneous Provisions) Regulations, 2023 (L.I 2481). Consequently, those who fail to complete their applications by the given deadline will not only lose their application status but also the benefit of the lower fees they initially paid.

The Ministry’s decision to set a deadline comes after the recent changes in passport fees, which reflect the government’s adjustments to public service charges. As part of this effort, the Ministry aims to streamline the passport application process and ensure that all pending applications are concluded efficiently and on time.

Failure to meet the October 18 deadline will result in applicants having to reapply under the new fee structure, which could be more costly and time-consuming. This situation is especially concerning for applicants who may have already invested time and resources into their applications but have yet to finalize the biometric step. They stand to lose both their application status and the financial advantage of the previous, lower fee.

The Ministry is, therefore, urging all applicants to act now and not wait until the last minute. There is likely to be an increased demand at Passport Application Centres as the deadline approaches, which could cause delays and long wait times. By completing the process early, applicants can avoid the stress and ensure their passports are processed without issue.

In its press release, the Ministry also reassured applicants that all PACs are fully equipped and ready to handle the biometric data collection process. Staff at these centres are trained to assist with any questions or concerns applicants may have, making it as straightforward as possible to complete this final step in the application process.

For those who may be unable to meet the deadline due to unforeseen circumstances, the Ministry has not yet outlined any exceptions or extensions. As a result, it is crucial for all affected individuals to prioritize completing their applications on time to avoid complications.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration remains committed to improving the passport application process in Ghana, ensuring greater efficiency and transparency. However, it is ultimately up to the applicants to adhere to the requirements and deadlines set forth by the Ministry.

Passport applicants who paid for their applications before April 1, 2024, must complete their biometric capture by October 18, 2024, to avoid invalidation of their applications. With an increase in passport fees in effect, applicants who do not meet the deadline will lose both their application status and the advantage of the old fees.