The story of passports in Lebanon has become as tedious as a protracted tale. The desire for obtaining one seems to outlast the wait. After the passport crisis extended and an online platform was established, some believed the issue was resolved. However, a recent account from a woman suggests otherwise.
After waiting for her scheduled appointment through the General Security platform, she was shocked to discover that she could not obtain her passport without showing a residency paper or a ticket. This compelled her to purchase a fake ticket immediately for $20 to avoid losing her appointment.
"Deception is normal," and this has become widespread, as the state, which is supposed to provide the basic necessities, is absent. Every Lebanese person is trying by all means "to not lose the appointment and miss the passport."
In this context, informed sources confirm that this is indeed happening, with some resorting to fake tickets. Even though the General Security is aware of this situation, it turns a blind eye to facilitate citizens' affairs. They require citizens to present either a residency paper or a ticket to restrict passports to those in greater need.
The sources further explain: "The General Security has a limited quantity of passports, which is why such measures are taken, giving preference to some over others while waiting for the necessary quantities to ensure passports for everyone." Additionally, to assist those with special circumstances, a special office for mercy requests has been established in the directorate to review and expedite them.
As the stock of biometric passports has run out, the General Security has reverted to the old passports. What is the reason for this? The sources answer: "The reason is that the company that promised the General Security to deliver the passports on certain dates failed to comply, coupled with some delays in transferring funds." They pointed out that the current situation dates back to "last summer when many who came to Lebanon renewed their passports here to save money, leading to the depletion of the stock."
So what is the solution? The sources conclude: "The solution is the responsibility of the state first, as it transferred the funds, thus making the delay the responsibility of the company delivering the passports."
