| HISTORICAL BACKGROUND The Passport and Immigration Office is a branch of the Mauritius Police Force and functions under the command of the Commissioner of Police. It is the sole authority in Mauritius which is empowered to provide Passport & Immigration Services. Before the early fifties, the Passport & Immigration Office was situated at Immigration Square , Port Louis and was run by civilian officers. In 1954, the Police took over the duties of the Passport & Immigration Office and the office was relocated inside the compound of the Line Barracks, seat of the Police Headquarters. In January 1999, the Passport & Immigration Office was transferred to the Sterling House, 9-11, Lislet Geoffroy Street , Port Louis . With effect from Sept 2003, the Passport Office decentralized its Passport Application Service. Alongside with the main office, six sub-offices, co-located at the Police District Headquarters (DHQ) as mentioned below, also received applications for passports from eligible citizens, thus providing 'Un Service de Proximit' to the public. | 
