Government Raises Passport Fees Sparking Citizen Concerns

The government has recently announced a significant rise in passport fees, particularly in the fast-track category. Effective from May 8, the fee for a machine-readable passport (MRP) with 36 pages and a validity of 5 years has been set at Rs. 12,500. Opting for a higher page count incurs higher fees, with 72 pages costing Rs. 18,000 and 100 pages costing a substantial Rs. 23,000. For individuals preferring a 10-year validity period, the fees have increased further. A 10-year MRP with 36 pages now carries a price tag of Rs. 16,200, while the rates for 72 and 100 pages have surged to Rs. 25,200 and Rs. 32,000 respectively.

The Directorate General of Passports and Immigration raised the passport processing fees on March 6 of this year. Despite the fee hikes, issues related to backlogs and delays in processing passport applications continue to persist, causing frustration among many applicants regarding the system's efficiency.

The sudden increase in passport fees has raised concerns among citizens, especially those who require urgent passport services. The higher costs may pose challenges for individuals who need to travel for work, education, or medical reasons. Many are worried about the financial burden these fee hikes will place on them.

As the government implements these new passport fee structures, it is essential for citizens to be aware of the changes and plan accordingly. While the fee increases aim to improve passport services, the ongoing issues with processing delays need to be addressed to ensure a smoother experience for applicants. It is crucial for authorities to communicate effectively with the public and work towards enhancing the efficiency of the passport issuance system.