Digital delay means passport forms in person or by post only

Guernsey Border Agency has been under pressure for the last few weeks, as passport applications have flooded in from islanders keen for a post-Covid break.

But with staff off sick, some with Covid, office opening hours have been reduced, with the remaining staff focusing on processing applications.

But anyone seeking to go online to download an application form will be disappointed.

Guernsey Border Agency deputy chief officer Peter Knee said it could not change the collect or post option.

‘We do not have the passport forms online for download and printing at the moment as HM Passport Office has specific requirements regarding the colour coding and the format of the forms,’ he said.

‘To avoid people having to fill in the forms more than once, we ensure that we print the forms to the required standard before distributing them.’

Funding from the States to invest in a digital passport application platform has been agreed, and the GBA is working with Her Majesty’s Passport Office on this.

‘The project was originally due to happen during 2020/2021, with a 2022 first quarter release date, however, as a result of the pandemic the project was initially delayed for one year by the UK service provider,’ Mr Knee said.

‘It has since seen further delays and is now expected to go live in the early part of 2024.’

The GBA has tried to make to forms more accessible, by making them available at different locations, such as post offices.

‘The development of an online passport application is just one of many digital developments that we are seeking to introduce, most of these projects have been delayed or affected due to the pandemic but we expect to see the various developments coming into play in the future,’ Mr Knee added.

The GBA was working hard to clear outstanding applications,.

‘The department is very aware of the impact upon business in terms of the time taken to properly process applications,’ he said.

‘Some additional resources have been provided to support the department at a very busy time.

‘We’d also like to note that the team is currently working hard on researching and developing the Ukrainian Family Visa Scheme as a matter of priority. This is another factor which could cause additional delay in the short term.’