Min Thu Tha – A new passport office in Mon state capital Moulmein will make it easier for state residents requiring legal documents. Ko Thiha, who helps Burmese migrant workers in Thailand, told IMNA the new location makes it “more convenient” because it’s closer to the border.
The new passport office on Ah-yar-taw Street in Maung-ngan quarter, which opened on Jan. 2, has yet to issue a passport.
Ko Min Min, who already make his application wasn’t sure when it will be ready.
“They have not told the exact date of they are going to issue the passports, but said they will start it after Independence Day.”
But regardless of how long it takes the new location has already made the process less complicated.
“Before, we have to go to Rangoon to apply for passports and it cost lots of money and took a long time.”
According to government owned media, it costs 20,000 kyats (about US$20) to get a passport, usually issued within 10 days. Those requiring emergency passports for medical treatments, or other reasons while abroad, can obtain a passport within three to or five days. Every applicant needs to provide an original document of his or her identification card and copy of household registration records.
This month, thirteen passport offices were opened in major cities across Burma, including capital city Naypyitaw. Before this year, there were offices in Rangoon and Mandalay.
