The Civil Registry Department has officially announced the commencement of e-passport issuance for Zimbabwean citizens residing in South Africa, a significant milestone that has been eagerly awaited by the diaspora community. The new service is available at the Zimbabwe Consulate in Johannesburg, streamlining the process for citizens to obtain their passports without the need to travel back to Zimbabwe.
This development comes as a response to the growing demand for more efficient and accessible passport services among the Zimbabwean population in South Africa. The introduction of e-passports is part of the government’s broader initiative to modernize and digitize its civil registry services, ensuring that citizens can access essential documents with greater ease and security.
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The e-passport system boasts advanced security features, making it more secure than the traditional paper passports. These features include biometric data, which helps in reducing the risk of identity theft and fraud. With this new system, the process of application, verification, and issuance is expected to be faster and more reliable.
The announcement was made by a spokesperson from the Civil Registry Department, who highlighted the benefits of the e-passport system.
“The Civil Registry Department wishes to inform its valued clients and stakeholders that an E-Passport Bio-Enrolment Centre has been established at the Zimbabwe Consulate in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the issuance of e-passports has commenced. In addition to e-passport applications, the consulate offers several other services for the benefit of Zimbabwean citizens in South Africa, including external birth applications, applications for duplicate marriage certificates and non-marriage certificates, confirmation of certificates, and the issuance of Temporary Travel Documents. Members of the public are encouraged to utilize this office and apply for these essential documents,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
For Zimbabwean citizens in South Africa, this new service eliminates the need for the often cumbersome and expensive journey back to Zimbabwe to renew or obtain their passports. Instead, they can now visit the consulate in Johannesburg, where they will undergo the necessary biometric capturing and submit their applications. This process is designed to be user-friendly and efficient, reducing wait times and making it easier for applicants to track the status of their passports.
The consulate has assured that all necessary measures are in place to handle the expected influx of applicants, including extended working hours and additional staff to assist with the processing. They have also implemented strict COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of both applicants and staff.
This initiative is seen as a positive move towards enhancing the services provided to the Zimbabwean diaspora, acknowledging the significant contributions they make to the country’s economy through remittances and other means. It is also expected to strengthen the ties between the Zimbabwean government and its citizens abroad, fostering a sense of national unity and support.
