Hi,
Dear Sir, Use the person's name, if you know it. eg Dear Mr. Smith,
I would like to request permision to take my annual holiday September 02-20, 2008, on Cyprus, where my mother is staying. It has been eight years since the last time we saw each other. I would be grateful if you would arrange for my passport to be returned to me as soon as possible, so that I can apply for my visa.
Thank you very much for your kind assistance.
Yours faithfully,
Maya Jones
Best wishes, Clive