The Immigration and Emigration Department's Controller General Harsha Ilukpitiya yesterday requested applicants for passports not to visit the department without a prior appointment for a date and time to obtain their passports.

He said only those who have reserved a date and time and those who can present documents stating they urgently need a passport can visit the department.

Accordingly, those who want to leave the country after spending their vacations, those who need emergency medical treatment and those who need immediate departure can visit the department with the relevant documents, he said.

"On arrival to the department, an Immigration officer will check their documents and air tickets. If the officer is satisfied with the documents, these individuals can proceed to obtain their passports," the Controller General said.

Moreover, the Controller General said the department is in the process of implementing a new system to issue passports immediately. Until the new programme is implemented the public is requested not to visit the department without an appointment.