THE security ministry says that although firearm licences expired on March 31, Section 44 (C) of the Firearms Act provides a grace period for renewal of licences up to April 30.

The ministry was responding to Tuesday's lead story in the Observer on Monday's rush by firearm holders to have licences renewed.

In the meantime, the ministry has advised firearm holders that they must visit the police division where the licence was issued or last renewed and present the relevant documents.
The documents include firearm booklet, permit or employee user's certificate, proof of age, TRN and two recent photographs, along with the firearm.

"Following the appropriate verification, applicants will then proceed to the nearest collectorate, pay the licence fee and return with their payment receipt following which a licence fee certificate will be issued," said the security ministry in a statement late Tuesday night.

The ministry said the measures being introduced were part of the process of creating a more comprehensive and up-to-date database and scrutiny of persons holding firearm permits.

The ministry said, too, that the approval process for new licences would see more rigorous background checks of new applicants for permits.

"Another provision will be a requirement that after five years, firearm holders will be required to undergo a comprehensive re-certification process," said the ministry.

In the meantime, the ministry has reiterated that no new firearm licences would be issued for the time being, pending full implementation of the policies of the newly established Firearm Licensing Authority.

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