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Immigration and Passport Department |
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The Immigration and Passport Department is an extension arm of the Royal Grenada Police Force with special responsibility to administrate the State’s affairs in the exercise of control of the movements of people (nationals and non-nationals) in and out of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique as a matter of National Security. In the exercise of this responsibility certain operational control mechanisms were established to militate against fraudulent use of the Grenadian Passport and to enhance our Border Control initiative.
The Grenada Passport
Since the introduction of the new Machine Readable Passport Issuing System, all passports are now produced in Grenada. The production of a Grenada Passport is the sole responsibility of the Passport Office. The documents for making a passport must be authenticated by Births and Deaths Registry for citizens by birth and descent; and by Ministry of Home Affairs for Citizens by registration. No passport will be processed without verification from either of the two bodies. Emergency travel documents and visas are still being processed and issued by our Oversees Missions. Very soon Grenada as part of the CARICOM Community will introduce the CARICOM Passport.
Border Security
Our Border Security System is being constructed to assist in militating against the non-genuine visitors seeking to gain easy access in and out of Grenada. This system will enable the immigration department to maximize its capability in exercising control of its borders and to provide information for Customs, Tourism, National Statistics, Criminal Investigation and Regional Intelligence and Information Sharing. Upon completion we will see a network with operational capabilities to cover all registered seaports and the two (2) airports around the country.
Interagency Cooperation
Considering the threat of terrorism and other criminal activities coupled with the exercise of freedom of travel regionally through CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and internationally in the wake of globalization, the challenge is much greater and one agency cannot work alone. Even when we succeed with interagency cooperation there is an equal need for Regional Corporation to militate against the criminal elements seeking a safe heaven from which to plan and conduct their illegal operations. We must be seen as working together to make the region uncomfortable for the criminals.
Cricket World Cup
The role of Immigration is critical in ensuring the success of this mega event. It is recognized that amidst the anticipation of great gain for our country economically, socially and politically, the challenges associated with this event are just as great.
The Immigration Department is the agency which deals specifically with the facilitation of the movement of people. The challenge is before us to deliver what we said we will deliver. We have made some progress, but there is a lot more to be done. The officers are prepared psychologically and much needed training is beginning to rollout.
To this end, the Immigration and Passport Department is looking forward to the challenges of 2007 and the many changes in the way we do business. We would continue to remain focused and vigilant in the exercise of our responsibility without discrimination. With the expansion of the categories of CARICOM Nationals entitled to free movement and the coming of CWC 2007 we hope to be fully prepared.
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