I have had many constituents contact me about the increased waiting times for their passport applications to be processed. I understand their concerns regarding these delays, and their worries that their passports will not arrive in time for trips abroad this spring and summer.
I wanted to provide an update on what the Government is doing to meet these challenges, as well as advise my constituents on what they should do if they need to apply for a new passport.
HM Passport Office is currently experiencing an unprecedented level of passport applications. Prior to the pandemic the average waiting time for a passport renewal was around 3 weeks. However now international travel has started up again, there are over 5million unrenewed passports that require processing, and this increased level of demand unfortunately means applications are taking longer than usual.
Consequently, in April 2021 guidance was changed to clearly advise customers to allow up to 10 weeks to get their passport. The majority of applications continue to be processed within 10 weeks, with 90% of applications between January and March completed within 6 weeks.
The Government is taking steps to meet the consequences of this increased demand. They have employed 500 extra staff since April last year and are in the process of recruiting a further 700. They have also requested their telephone provider recruit additional staff to meet the higher levels of customer contact and make it easier for customers to get updates on their application.
Advice for my constituents
The Passport Office is urging those who need a new passport to apply as soon as possible. A Fast Track Service is usually available, however due to increased demand these are being booked out quickly, around 3 weeks in advance.
Many constituents have contacted our office, asking us to contact HM Passport Office to request their application to be expedited for their upcoming travel. Whilst I fully appreciate the frustration and concern of constituents who risk having their travel plans disrupted, and our caseworkers have been trying their best to help, the Passport Office does not accept upcoming travel as a valid reason for expediting applications.
In urgent circumstances, applications can be expedited. For example:
· A decision delay for a vulnerable customer, which is impacting their wellbeing.
· An exceptional or compelling case for example where support has been removed and children are involved.
· There is an urgent need to travel due to the serious illness or funeral of a close family member.
If you have been waiting longer than the 10 week waiting period, or you need to urgently travel due to exceptional circumstances, please contact our office and our caseworkers may be able to help. We cannot promise a positive outcome, however we are trying our best to help constituents who are affected by these delays.
