Senior Immigration Officer, Mr. Ian Penn has stated that the appointment system rolled out on March 1 at the Immigration Department has positive signs of being successful.

Mr. Penn said the system was introduced to address the issue of long lines at the department and that he remains committed to make more changes where necessary to ensure that the department continues to strive for future excellence.

Mr. Penn said, “Though there may have been some hick-ups here and there, I think that we can smooth them out along the way. I am very encouraged and optimistic of its success and we will endeavour to do our best to see it through.”

Mr. Penn said that customers cooperated with the staff which had a positive impact on the attitude and productivity of the officers. He commended his officers adding that customers were impressed with the level of service provided with no long lines involved.

He said, “It appears that it was simply the officers’ extraordinary commitment to excellence in customer service and support that motivated them to go the extra mile to make the new system successful.”

Mr. Penn added, “In these modern days, we need to adapt and make whatever services are offered to the public as efficient as possible.  We all know that such services come with a price tag, be it state of the art technology or more personnel. I believe that our officers truly deserve to be congratulated for providing customer service and support well beyond the expectations of our Department.”

Appointments are being offered in a series of slots each day between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Persons seeking new or to renew entry permits, or extensions, are asked to schedule their appointments from Monday through Thursday.

Meanwhile, government employees, employees of statutory bodies, students and employees of the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and persons exempt from work permits will only be allowed to make an appointment on Fridays.

Persons seeking landing permit extensions will be allowed to walk-in from Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. through 3:00 p.m. without having scheduled an appointment.

Persons are asked to schedule their appointments ten days prior to the requested date and submit their full name, preferred time slot, file number and the type of service they are requesting to schedule. To make an appointment, persons should contact the department at 468-4700 or 468-4705.

Persons whose permits have expired are invited to schedule an appointment as soon as possible to have them processed.

For more information on the appointment system, contact the Immigration Department at 468-4700 or ext. 4705.