The Civil Status Office says many people have been misled about an announcement by Air Vanuatu that it would introduce new ID requirements on its domestic flights.
Civil Status Officer-in-Charge, Moses Banga said, ‘immediately after the Air Vanuatu's announcement people have been turning up in huge numbers to process there National ID's and a lot of people are frustrated but do not realize they have become victim to misinformation.’
Mr Banga made the comments as dozens of people converged at the Ministry of Internal Affairs hoping to produce national ID cards.
About three months ago, Air Vanuatu announced its new ID requirements in the hope that it would combat the high number of fraudulent practices with customers.
The airline also had to address false Facebook posts indicating that people will have to pay monies to have their ID cards processed after a certain date.
Mr Banga said, “Air Vanuatu is quite clear with its intentions and that is okay. What people do not understand is they can use other forms of ID's with Air Vanuatu, School ID Cards, VNPF Card, Drivers Licences, Passports for their domestic travel."
He added they will eventually liaise with Provincial Government Councils and Area Administrators and secretaries in other provinces once all needed resources are at their disposal.
A decentralised approach will be undertaken to roll out of ID card processing in other provinces in Vanuatu.
Meanwhile Mr Banga encourages those who are without any form of ID and are intending on travelling out of Port Vila by using Air Vanuatu Services to come forward and have their ID's produced.
Photo supplied. Caption: Members of the public at the Ministry of Internal Affairs