Member of Parliament MPIlda Maria da Conceicao questions why Timor-Leste’s passports do not adhere to international standards and urged the Ministry of Justice to look into the matter.
MP da Conceicaosaid currently Timorese passports are of such a low standard that some MP’s have been delayed at airports during their trips overseas and in some instances MP’s have missed their flights.
“Some nations do not recognize our passport because ours is not of a good standard,” said the MP at the National Parliament. “Some have been kept at the airport for hours, not being able to go through [immigration],” added the MP.
She urged the Ministry of Justice to address the issue.
“We need to change the way we issue passports because they need to be of an international level so MP’s and government members can travel overseas without any hassles.”
The Minister of Justice, Dr.DionisioBaboSoares, said his ministry will address the passports’ issue in 2014.
“We’ll fix the issue as soon as the budget is approved.”
