Passport problem: ‘Not fair’

Evangelina Korok (facing camera) was one of dozens of people who camped out on the lanai of the passport office Monday morning starting from 3am in hopes of being able to turn in passport applications. Photo: Hilary Hosia.
Evangelina Korok (facing camera) was one of dozens of people who camped out on the lanai of the passport office Monday morning starting from 3am in hopes of being able to turn in passport applications. Photo: Hilary Hosia.

HILARY HOSIA

It looked like a scene for a premiere showing of a new Star Wars film. This was Monday morning at the Attorney General’s office, which looked like the situation in big countries where people camp out overnight to see the premiere showing of a film, a famous music band of the latest Star Wars, or to get into a store for a Black Friday sale.

People desperate to get passports camped out at the lanai of the AG’s office as early as 3am Monday morning as a result of the current passport conundrum.

“Tell our leaders and those in charge that we will do anything to get our passports complete even if that means missing work,” a government worker waiting in the long line told the Journal.

An angry lady confronted the Journal for taking pictures, saying there is no reason to make publication that will make Marshall Islands look ridiculous in the eyes of the whole world, to which a lady standing behind her said “It’s ok. Take my photo. I want everyone to know I’ve been here since three this morning.”

Another man said he’s frustrated but can’t give up now because he is one of many who had been in similar lines last week.

“This is not fair,” a woman told the Journal. Minutes later, an Attorney General’s office worker announced they would only accept 42 applications today.

The 42 is based on passport applications coming in from Ebeye and off-island embassies and consulates to make up the AG’s office announced limit on applications of 75 per week.

The AG’s office only accepts passport applications on Mondays.

Read more about this in the April 8, 2016 edition of the Marshall Islands Journal.