The Passport, Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) was established on 1 June 2007 as an Executive Agency to be a self-financing, performance-based, and service-oriented institution. The Agency evolved from the former Immigration, Citizenship and Passport Services Division of the Ministry of National Security following a modernisation programme which started in 2005. Since then, PICA has been taking steps to transform itself into a world-class organisation. The aim is to provide efficient, quality service to its clients through a well-motivated and knowledgeable staff. PICA's functions are integral to the nation's border security system. The Agency accepts and processes passport applications, manages the island's immigration processes and handles matters related to Jamaican citizenship.