The Minister says the necessary tests are being done to ensure the office space is healthy. This move became necessary as a result of complaints of mold in the space occupied at on Bridge Street, ironically still the home of dozens of other businesses that have functioned uninterruptedly.

The staff protests came to a head as the government began the move to e-passports, which saw citizens queuing at the unit for hours.

“We have completed all works, all air quality tests, for the department which will house the Immigration Unit. Within this week and next, they should be fully in operation in the new location. We had to get new furniture, in some cases, for them,” she disclosed.

Poyotte says she expects productivity to increase with this new office. “I think they are happy, they have visited the place and are happy with the environment and we are hoping to see an increase in productivity. We should see an end to the clamouring and long waits for passports.”