The Department of Immigration will resume some services tomorrow as Government offices begin to reopen.

Wayne Caines, the Minister of National Security, said the Department will begin to accept applications for emergency passports sought for medical reasons.

But the Department will not begin to accept applications for new passports or replacements for expired passports for at least another two weeks.

The Department’s offices in the Government Administration Building will remain shut to the public, with staff communicating with customers by phone or e-mail.

Staff can arrange in-person meetings if required, but appointments must be made and both staff and customers must wear masks and gloves.

Drop boxes for commercial and personal services will be placed at the main entrance of the Government Administration Building, but applications submitted after 2.30pm will be recorded as received on the next business day.

Documents will not be available for pick-up from the collections desk, but will be sent by mail starting this week.

Mr Caines said: “We are thankful for the patience of the public as we navigate through this difficult time as a country.

“We are also especially grateful for the efforts of all our staff in the Ministry of National Security who have continued to operate in some form during the shelter in place.

“From an operational stand point, the Department of Immigration will partially re-open on Monday, observing strict social and physical distancing as outlined by the Ministry of Health.”

More information regarding visas, visitor extensions and work permits can be found online at https://www.gov.bm/coronavirus-resources.