THE JAMAICAN High Commission in London will introduce new opening hours for its consular (passport and visa) offices as of June 1. The new hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Mondays to Fridays.
High Commissioner Gail Mathurin explained that the new opening hours would allow more time for the processing of applications in an effort to improve and streamline operations.
"For some time, the high commission has been implementing measures to increase efficiency and deliver better service to our clients," she said.
ALLOWED SOME EXTRA TIME
The high commissioner added that "We feel that with a slightly shorter opening time to the public, our small staff will be allowed some extra time to complete the passport application processes, which must take place behind the scenes, and to handle telephone enquiries and deal with the high volume of correspondence which we need to respond to more speedily".
The high commission is also encouraging persons wishing to renew their passports to send in the completed application form with the necessary documentation and fees by special delivery.
However, the replacement of lost passports and making applications on behalf of minors still require that applicants appear in person.
The consular section of the Jamaican High Commission processes more than 150 passport applications and an average of 65 emergency travel documents each week. The section also notarises documents, provides advice and information on Jamaican passports and visa matters, as well as a raft of other consular services.
