‘Smart Q’ eases Immigration queues

The system utilises a mobile phone application called ‘QueUP’ which allows the public, both locals and foreigners, to book their own slots for IC related services at the department at a date and time of their choosing.

The system will be on trial for three months and will be expanded (in phases) to cover other services under the department.

The launching was officiated by Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Kerna Dato Seri Setia (Dr) Haji Awang Abu Bakar bin Haji Apong.

The ‘Smart Q’ system is a joint venture project between INRD and Rhymin & Partners Sdn Bhd – winner of the Public Service Commission’s Silver Award under the “proposal” category during 2016 Public Service Day.

To make use of the application, members of the public will need to download the QueUP app from the Apple Store (which will be available in several days) or Google Play Store (available now).

After downloading, they can then open the app and register into QueUP.

Once registered, users will be directed to a menu where they can choose the department, services type, and branch for the application or renewal of their IC.

Then they can proceed to select the preferred date and time of their appointment by clicking the “book” icon corresponding to each available slot. A “verification number” and “barcode” will then be given to the applicants.

On the day of the appointment, applicants will need to be at the Identification Card division of the INRD at least 15 minutes before their booking time.

They will then be required to scan their given barcode at a kiosk, after which the system will notify the numbering counter and provide an approximate waiting time before the applicant will be attended to.

The early booking system had been introduced to speed up counter services at the Immigration and National Registration Department. However the Identification Card division will continue to serve walk-in applicants as per usual.

In his speech during the launching ceremony, the Minister of Home Affairs reminded all officers and staff under the ministry – in particular the Immigration and National Registration Department – to adopt a positive attitude towards any complaints, feedbacks, or recommendations that have been voiced by the public, for example through mass media, day-to-day conversations, suggestion boxes, and the like.

He expressed hope that the Immigration and National Registration Department will always stay abreast of current trends and developments, as well as demands of the public, so that it can consistently deliver effective and top quality services to customers.

Also present at the launching ceremony were Abdul Mutalib bin Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Haji Mohd Yusof, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Home Affairs; Haji Idris bin Haji Mohd Ali and Haji Mohammad Sunadi bin Haji Buntar, the Deputy Permanent Secretaries at the Ministry of Home Affairs; Salminan bin Haji Burut, Director of Immigration and National Registration; and other officials.

A roadshow for the ‘Smart Q’ system is currently running until August 7 at the Immigration and National Registration Department, Jalan Menteri Besar.

Further information on the new queuing system and roadshow can be obtained at www.immigration.gov.bn.