THIRTY-FOUR new immigration officers are to be placed at the island's two international airports today.
According to Gilbert Scott, permanent secretary in the Ministry of National Security, the new officers were recruited to deal with the projected increase in visitor arrivals for the winter tourist season, which begins on Thursday.
He said majority of the officers are to be sent to the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston as, earlier this year, 24 officers were placed at the Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St. James.
In the meantime new systems will be introduced at the two international airports today, to enhance the processing of visitors passing through the immigration department.
According to Mr. Scott $10 million has been spent to upgrade the technology.
He said there will be twelve mobile units from which immigration officers will be able to process visitors.
In addition there will be roving monitors to assist people with information necessary to process their forms.
In the meantime an expansion is under way to increase the number of service points at the Sangster International Airport.
"While we are seeking to improve the quality of the service, we are doing this to ensure that appropriate security are in place..." said Mr. Scott.
