Zimbabweans are flocking to the Civil Registry Department offices across the country to apply for passports before the fees go up from January 1, 2024. The government announced that the fees for an ordinary passport will increase from US$120 to US$200, while an emergency travel document will cost US$300, up from US$200.
The increase in passport fees has triggered a panic among many citizens who want to secure their travel documents before the deadline. Some people have been sleeping at the passport offices to be among the first in the queue, while others have resorted to paying bribes to get their applications processed faster.
The government said the hike in passport fees was necessary to cover the costs of producing the new e-passport, which was launched by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday. The e-passport is expected to enhance security and facilitate international travel for Zimbabweans.
However, some critics have accused the government of trying to make money from the misery of Zimbabweans who are fleeing the country’s economic and political crisis. They argue that the new fees are unaffordable for most people, especially in a country where the average monthly income is less than US$100.
According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than five million Zimbabweans live outside the country, mainly in South Africa, Botswana, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Many of them left the country in search of better opportunities and living conditions, while others escaped political persecution and human rights violations.
The government has also extended the operating hours of the passport offices to cope with the high demand. The passport offices will now open from 7 am to 7 pm on weekdays and from 8 am to 3 pm on Saturdays. The government said the extended hours will facilitate efficient e-passport services and reduce the backlog of applications.
The Civil Registry Department also urged the public to be patient and follow the proper procedures when applying for passports. It warned against engaging in corrupt activities and falling prey to fraudsters who claim to offer fast-track services.
The government said it is committed to improving the delivery of public services and ensuring that Zimbabweans have access to modern and secure travel documents. It also said it is working on upgrading the road infrastructure and vehicle registration system in the country.
Source: Bulawayo24 News
