Israelis discovered today that fees for issuance of passports and visas have suddenly been raised, in some cases to double the previous fees.
Without public announcement, the Ministry of the Interior, which is in charge of passport and visa issuance here, increased the fees for these documents from 25 pounds to 50 pounds. Exit visas for some trips now cost 50 pounds, compared with the previous fees of 30 pounds.
Israelis note that, if they wish to go ahead, they must pay at least 100 pounds–$55 in American money–even before they purchase their tickets. The Ministry denied that the hike was intended to hinder travel abroad, as some complainants contend.
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