The passport office in the city of Loikaw, Karenni State, has been crowded with applicants since it reopened on February 27th, locals said.

An applicant from Loikaw disclosed that the local passport office served a limited number of people, approximately 90, after resuming operations at 9:00 AM.

"The number of applicants is very high. However, they capped the list at approximately 90 individuals, citing that accommodating any more would take until nightfall. I'm uncertain about the forthcoming days' scenarios. As of today, they're limiting it to that number”, he said.

Witnesses reported that a swarm of people had gathered outside the passport office, with many being turned away once the daily limit had been reached. At present, only individuals holding a Household List (Form-10) that confirms their residency in Kayah (Karenni) State are eligible for passport services.

Sources close to the passport office have stated that it provided services for all passport-related matters, including applications for new passports and renewal of existing ones.

Earlier, on December 26th last year, the Military Council had suspended the services of passport offices indefinitely, citing the need to upgrade their computer systems.