NEW BUILDING FOR PICA

KINGSTON, Feb. 6 (JIS):

The Government is one step closer to begin construction of the new Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) head office, following receipt of the architectural designs.

National Security Minister, Hon. Robert Montague, who has portfolio responsibility for PICA, told JIS News that the designs will be submitted to the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation for approval to facilitate the project’s commencement.

The new facility is to be built on property the Ministry acquired on North Avenue, which is located close to PICA’s head office on Constant Spring Road in St. Andrew.

Mr. Montague told JIS News during a tour of PICA last year that the new building is being constructed to provide more comfortable space and surroundings for the staff at Constant Spring Road.

Construction of PICA’s new head office is among initiatives designed to further improve client service delivery.

Strategies that have been implemented, to be rolled out or being contemplated include online passport application and renewal; a digital or biometric passport; and an advanced passenger information system.

Additionally, PICA has introduced a new drop-box service at its head office that will facilitate speedier passport renewals by eliminating the need for clients to join long queues to have these and other documents processed.

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This is complemented by a courier service, being done in partnership with DHL Jamaica Limited, which will enable clients to arrange for the delivery of their documents after making the requisite payments.