Residents of Region 10, Upper Demerara-Berbice can now access passport and immigration services in a new modern facility located in Retrieve, Linden. The new passport and immigration office was built at the cost of $31M.
The one storey building measures 2,000 square feet and can comfortably accommodate applicants in its air-conditioned environs. Constructed by R. Bassoon and Sons Contracting Company, the new facility has a spacious waiting area, interview rooms, office, and washrooms.
The office was temporarily housed in the same building with the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) Linden Branch in Mackenzie since 2016. The construction of the new office began after actions taken by the Coalition Government to decentralise public services.
Lindeners have been benefitting, since 2016, from services such as the renewal of passports and the replacement of lost, damaged, or filled passports. Residents would make their applications on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and uplift the following Thursday. They were, however, unable to apply for first-time passports. This service, along with the application of birth, marriage, and death certificates, will now be handled by the Linden office.
The building was completed a year ago; however, its opening was delayed due to an electrical issue. Residents of Linden and regional officials have welcomed the new office which will cater to all Region 10 communities.
