There is about a month left until the current passport printing contract in the country by Thomas Greg & Sons expires and doubts remain regarding What will happen with the provision of this service? continue to increase.
The uncertainty lies largely in the fact that still It is unknown how the handling of the issuance of this document will be carried out. in the 11-month period between the end of the current tender, which ends on October 2, and the contract that will be launched in September 2025, when the National Printing Office takes over this task.
In this context, how has the issue progressed?
Approach with Thomas Greg
The EL TIEMPO Investigative Unit revealed that more than a week ago the current contractor received an email from the Printing Company requesting a quote for the printing of passports and visas. Sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also confirmed to the media that he had been questioned the possibility of resuming production in October.
The Foreign Ministry has also reportedly contacted Thomas Greg so that in future meetings to be held between the parties, different issues related to the service can be evaluated, ranging from a possible conciliation of the claim filed by the company to the continuation of the current contract.
According to the Investigative Unit, The company would be willing to listen to the conditions to continue with the current agreement.
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Passports
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They call for working groups
Specifically, with a view to finding a solution to a possible crisis in the manufacture of passports, the Attorney General’s Office (PGN) called a working table in which Delegates from Thomas Greg and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be present.
The installation of this space It will be done in person next Tuesday, August 27 at 3:00 pm at the headquarters of the Public Prosecutor’s Office. The meeting was requested by the parties so that the entity can provide support in the process of defining a solution to the legal controversies that have arisen.
“In this session, the parties will be heard on the details of the conflict to be resolved and the settlement formulas proposed to solve it.”the Attorney General’s Office said.
It should be remembered that the disciplinary control body is concerned that it is not known Which company will temporarily print passports starting October 3? in the country. In fact, the Attorney General, Margarita Cabello, has already called for the situation to be addressed, taking into account, in addition, the complaints that citizens have made regarding difficulties in processing the document.
“We, like the Chancellor, are concerned about the problem with the scheduling of appointments, we have started some preventive investigations, we are gathering information, and according to the new tests that we are going to carry out, which is to go to the Chancellery to monitor the scheduling program, we will make decisions for a possible disciplinary transfer.”Cabello said.
Passport Office
“Guaranteed service”
The foreign minister, Luis Gilberto Murillo, has indicated on different occasions that the processing of travel books is not at risk and will not be affected as of October 3. He also reiterated the Government’s commitment to guarantee the continuity and normality of the service.
On the other hand, and regarding the inconveniences that have been occurring for scheduling appointments, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that it will develop a new system “that generates greater security and access for citizens to schedule the procedure.”
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