A delay in the implementation of e-passports by the department, due to practical issues had caused a shortage of the all countries passports, he said adding that they discontinued the supply of the old passports anticipating the implementation of e-passports as scheduled by early this year.

“The tender process has finished now and the new stocks are expected by mid next month, he said. The Department took action to issue the Middle East passport with a ‘all countries’ seal during the shortage but with only 30 pages in the passport, instead of 60, the frequent travelers said they find it hard to sustain the passport for ten years