People who have submitted applications for these passports will receive them within the normal 10 working days.

Those who have already applied for the 48-page maxi-passports will get these, as the process of issuing a passport can't be reversed and refunds won't be paid, the Ministry says.

It attributes the shortage of standard passports to an increase in demand, as well as to an improved production process which reduced the waiting period from 100 to 10 days.

The Ministry says the production process is now better managed, and newly issued passports are piling up at its offices awaiting collection.

It has also warned that immigration personnel will join the Police at roadblocks this festive season.

People are therefore urged to carry identification documents with them at all times.

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