According to the police, the waiting times to apply for a passport are now down to 11 weeks after being up to 28 weeks earlier this year.

But in Sörmland today you can get an appointment no earlier than the second week in September, ie in 13 weeks.

This apart from occasional scattering times, including cancellations.

- I can not say what these differences are due to, but we try to meet the needs of citizens through extended opening hours and full opening.

We do the best we can, says Özlem Ekelund, group manager at the reception operations in Eskilstuna and Strängnäs.

Staff situation crucial

The police in Eskilstuna and Strängnäs have borrowed staff from other businesses to staff the passport unit.

Since February, there has also been a recruitment process that has so far yielded few results.

- Right now we have seven positions outsourced and since February we have been able to recruit two.

But it is sick leave and much else that affects, says Özlem Ekelund, who believes that it is not difficult to get new staff but that it is about safety checks and training taking their time.

No extra opening hours this summer

The extended opening hours between 07.30 and 20.30 and the full opening are only valid until 17 June.

Then you return to regular opening hours.

- It is the staff who need to go on a well-deserved vacation.

We have to think about their work environment, says Özlem Ekelund.