- Immediate passport issuance for pregnant women starting March 4 -

-Aiming for social consensus of respect and consideration for pregnant women-

The Incheon Metropolitan Government (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that the city would operate a “priority passport application booth for pregnant women” starting March 4 to assist pregnant women who face challenges waiting for a long time.

Under the conventional system, applicants had to take a number and wait in line. In contrast, the priority booth allows pregnant women to process their passport applications immediately, regardless of their arrival order, aligning with the city’s goal of enhancing customer satisfaction with passport services.

When a pregnant woman visits the office, a passport guide will assist her in processing the application at the priority booth without requiring a number. Pregnant women can also receive priority assistance when collecting their passports. 

The city government has installed signage and promotional banners to help pregnant women easily locate the priority booth. Passport guides have also been trained to provide smooth and efficient service.

Through this initiative, the city aims to foster greater social consensus on respect and consideration for pregnant women, especially in an era of ultra-low birth rates. 

Son Hye-won, Head of the Civil Service Division, stated, “We hope to foster a culture of consideration for vulnerable groups by ensuring that all pregnant women visiting City Hall can utilize priority services. Moving forward, we will continue to provide civil services driven by user needs.” 

The Incheon Metropolitan Government also operates Saturday passport services (9 AM—12 PM) for citizens unable to visit on weekdays. Since September last year, the city government has also received an enthusiastic response from locals by distributing passport cases featuring a spotted seal character.