CNI News
8 Mar 2022
Effective action will be taken against those who hack into the online website of the Myanmar Passport Office for online appointments to change data or to commit fraud, according to an announcement.
The new online appointment system aims to reduce the number of agents and frauds but it is still necessary to closely watch the system, Ko Nay Oo, a director from an overseas employment agency that sends workers to Japan, told the CNI.
He said, "The system aims to reduce the number of agents and frauds but applicants are required to apply for passports in person. I think there will be no agents in the future. However, there are a few agents at the moment. In other towns, applicants will have to rely on agent to get passports with delays. It is difficult to handle the fake document issue. If people can get passports and visas easily, there will be no fake documents. It is convenient for applicants if passport processing is carried out nornally. If the process is halted and resumed again and again, it will be difficult for applicants."
The passport office in Yangon has adopted a new online appointment system recently.
People queuing in front of the passport office.
Under the new system, applicants are required to provide personal data and pay MMK 35,000 passport fee online to make appointments. However, there are too many applicants and problems still persist.
As migrant workers who intend to go abroad are not well versed in technology, it is difficult for them to apply for a passport by themselves and agent fees are likely to increase, Ko Thar Gyi, a labour activist who has been offering assistance to Myanmar workers in Thailand, told the CNI.
He said, "There is a problem. The appointment token number may be issued for the name of the applicant but there will be code numbers for passports. Therefore, his NRC number may not be entered into the computer system and his photo will be taken. Then, the passport will be issued. We need to think about such problems for fake documents. The applicant thinks he has received the passport but it will still be a fake document. It depends on the detailed process on the ground and authorities are required to check problems skilfully. Fraudsters will use new methods for new systems."
People queuing in front of the passport office.
The passport office was closed in December, 2022 to upgrade its processes and reopened on 24th January, 2023.
Then, the issuance of passports was again suspended on 1st March and it was announced that passport applications would resume later.
Those who fail to come to the office at the appointed time are allowed to make appointments again within seven office days, according to the announcement.
