Kathmandu. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said that although the number of passport books is somewhat low as per the high demand of the service seekers, this issue is being resolved. The Ministry has clarified that the passport book is not in such a situation as it was publicized outside.

The Department of Passports under the Ministry has already signed a purchase agreement with new suppliers for electronic passport supply in 2082 BS. According to the Ministry, works related to the construction of infrastructure and system are going on in full swing with the aim of operating passport service from February 24 as per the agreement.

Ministry’s spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri said, “We are in a transitional phase of ‘handover-takeover’ between new suppliers and existing suppliers. As per the new purchase agreement, it has been decided that the new service provider will start passport production from February 24. ’

Although the essential passport service provided by the Department would continue to operate continuously, the Ministry has urged only those who need emergency treatment, immediate employment or those in a situation in foreign countries to apply for passport for now. The ministry has also urged all to be patient and cooperate with the government in such a situation.

Stating that necessary works are being carried out to ensure that there is no shortage of passport in the current transitional situation, Spokesperson Chhetri said arrangements have been made to receive applications from one thousand people daily (except the day before public holidays) from 5 pm on November 3. The ministry hopes that this will meet the urgent demand of the country.

The Ministry has urged all to apply only if it is necessary during the current transitional situation as the passport service is to come into full operation from February 24.