Lebanese passports. (Credit: AFP/File)
BEIRUT — The General Security (GS) announced Wednesday that it will stop receiving biometric passport applications on Fridays until further notice. It did not clarify the reasons behind this decision.
This measure was originally announced as an exception throughout the month of Ramadan.
Since the beginning of the economic crisis in 2019, passport applications have increased, especially following a rise in Lebanese emigration. This has led to a shortage of travel document materials.
The GS had set up an online platform for appointment requests but with the unprecedented rush for passports, waiting times could sometimes stretch to a year or more.
Later on March 6, the GS canceled the appointment mechanism and announced that people wishing to apply for a passport could show up at the GS offices in person.