Renewing Passport

Singapore time 4 pm 9th July 2007

Today I went to renew my passport and was a bit lost in ICA building. I went to the 2nd floor counter for application for new or renewing passport and was directed to go downstairs, 1st floor to pay by nets and drop the form into the box. The net machine is new to me so I read the instruction but cannot get going. A lady helped me to do it but was unable to slot the card. The picture shows different side of the card. We managed to slot it in the opposite direction from the picture in the instruction.

If the instruction is provided in the letter they sent to us before we go there, we might have less problem going to the reception for application then go down to the net machine. We can directly go straight to the net machine and settled the form straight away. Also this is not good, in case there is mistake, there is no one to check the form. It will be more troublesome if we are called up to amend any mistake, like not signing the form, put the date etc.

Most Singaporeans are educated at least up to primary 6, so more instruction should be given to them before they go to ICA. Instruction on net payment should be given and how to use the machine. Many are first time using the machine by themselves. At shop, the sales person does the initial punching before lettting us to key in the code. Even sloting the card is done by the sales person.

I hope Immigration department should improve their services further.