Head of the Immigration Department, Assistant Superintendent of Police Valda Powell, has showered praises on the staff of that department, stating they have “coped well under the pressure and are doing extremely well under the circumstances.”
Speaking at a Ministry of National Security press conference at the Police Conference room in Roseau earlier this week, ASP Powell also issued a call to Dominicans to apply for their Biometric E-Passport promptly.
She explained that on July 26, 2021, a ceremony was held to launch the electronic passport as a replacement for the machine-readable passport, and since then, the process has been a “success.”
“We would like to urge our citizens to apply for their passports on time. Do not wait until you are ready to travel to apply for your passport because this puts a strain on the department. It also causes those who are already waiting in line to be kept behind. So, we want to encourage you. Come in, have a chat with us, call the office, and apply for your passport. Do not wait until you’re ready,” ASP Powell stated.
She went on to explain that the Biometric E-passport is equipped with modern technology that offers stronger protection, faster verification, and contains an embedded chip that stores biometric data.
“It enhances the convenience and security for travelers and hastens the immigration process by reducing the waiting time for passengers during the country’s peak travel time, like Carnival, the recently held Breakfast Fete, and the Independence celebrations,” the Head of the Immigration Department remarked.
She also highlighted the upgraded border management system, which began its operation on December 1, 2024.
This system, she explained, has enhanced features and now can capture fingerprints of travelers.
According to ASP Powell, in recent times, the department has increased the number of workstations at the Douglas-Charles Airport and the Roseau Ferry Terminal.
“We have as many as seven stations operating sometimes, so, during the peak season, and at the recent Breakfast Fete festival, we saw the quick processing of passengers.”
She went on to add that as the police aspire to maintain current and accurate records of passports, passengers, visitors, permits, documents, and all other relevant information, they we will continue to train staff to help to overcome challenges, build confidence, improve performances, thereby enhancing productivity through the Ministry of National Security and legal affairs, and under the command of the Chief of Police, and the Passport and Immigration department will carry on its directive.
She also pointed out various ways persons applying for an E-Passport can do so.
“You can come to the office and collect your passport forms, and you will receive instructions from our efficient staff…persons can also apply through their consulate. For example, for those persons living in the US, the closest Embassy [is] in New York, and for those in England and France, the closest embassy is in London,” she stated.
“We have our representative servicing Guadeloupe and St. Maarten; he’s based in Guadeloupe, but he makes trips across to St. Maarten. There’s also a representative in Martinique facilitating all citizens in those countries. And further information as to how to reach them can be obtained by calling the immigration office.”
Persons can also apply online, download the forms from the government’s website www.dominica.gov.dm, or pick up a physical copy at the immigration department in Roseau.