Paraguay's ID Department Holds Over 120,000 Unclaimed Documents

Paraguay's National Police Identification Department is holding a staggering backlog of over 120,000 unclaimed documents, including passports and national ID cards. This situation persists despite a high demand for these documents, particularly around the year's end when citizens rush to renew or obtain them.

Among the unclaimed items are 13,060 passports currently stored in the Investigations department's warehouse. These passports are slated for disposal if not collected within five years of their issuance. The department's extensive network includes 80 branches nationwide, with an additional three located in the province of Buenos Aires, Argentina, allowing Paraguayan citizens residing there to renew their documents without a costly trip home.

Recent improvements in service systems have expedited the application process and reduced crowds. The department now boasts eight document production units, including its central Asunción headquarters and branches in Ciudad del Este, San Lorenzo, Pedro Juan Caballero, Villarrica, Encarnación, and San Pedro, in addition to the Buenos Aires consulate.

While the first-time issuance of an identity card is free, renewals cost 8,500 Paraguayan guaranis, subsidized from the actual material cost of around 50,000 guaranis due to imported components. Passports have a total cost of 418,000 guaranis, broken down into fees for the National Police, Ministry of Interior, and other charges.