| The purpose of the new UK network will be to interview first-time passport applicants in what has been described by the Passport Office as a “friendly and non-threatening manner”.
But it is unlikely the custom-built office, the location of which has still to be identified, will offer a significant boost in terms of civil service jobs.
The office is likely to be small and handle only interviews
It will affect people who have never held a British passport in their own name and those whose names were included on a parent’s passport.
In addition to the main Scottish centres, which stretch from Galashiels to Wick, there will be a secure webcam link for people in remote communities such as the Hebrides.
The UK is one of the last countries not to have a face-to-face element when passport applications are made.
Most applications are made by post and this is where fraud most commonly occurs.
It is hoped the new system, which will have 69 offices countrywide, will be operational by the end of the year, with 609,000 people affected in its first year.
After making a written application, people will be invited to call the Identity and Passport Service 24-hour advice line to make an appointment for interview at one of the offices of their choice.
The 10-20 minute interview will consist mainly of asking applicants to confirm facts about themselves.
Interpreters will be provided where necessary and a parent must be present when the applicant is aged 16 or 17 years of age.
Appointments are expected to be offered within four days.
In genuine emergencies, limited-validity passports will be able to be issued without interview.
The Liberal Party has criticised the proposals, saying the new network posed a host of practical problems for the poor, the elderly and people in remote parts of the UK. |
