Zimbabwe is gearing up to offer passport services globally, with plans underway to establish passport offices in select countries such as South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States, among others, by the end of 2024.
In a bid to cater to the needs of Zimbabweans residing abroad, Registrar-General Henry Machiri has announced the imminent launch of foreign passport offices in several international locations. The first phase of this initiative will commence with the opening of passport centres in Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa, areas that collectively house a substantial Zimbabwean diaspora population, estimated to be just under a million.
Machiri stated, "The renovations at the embassy's offices in South Africa are now complete, and during the first part of this year, we will introduce passport centres at our embassies in Johannesburg and Cape Town." Simultaneously, plans are underway to establish additional passport centres in five countries, including London in the UK and the US, with the final two locations currently under consideration.
It is emphasized that the selection of these initial locations is based on the concentration of Zimbabwean nationals in those areas. The choice for the remaining two spots is the subject of ongoing consultations.
Furthermore, Machiri has assured that the application fees for passports processed outside Zimbabwe will be aligned with the fees applicable for domestic applications. Additionally, the details of applicants will be processed through the newly established overseas offices, ensuring a streamlined and standardized procedure.
The decision to expand passport services globally comes against the backdrop of high demand for passports within Zimbabwe, largely driven by residents seeking improved employment prospects abroad. The government has acknowledged the significance of passport issuance as a notable revenue source, exemplified by recent fee adjustments, where standard passport applications now cost US$150 and emergency passport applications are priced at US$250.
The move to extend passport services beyond Zimbabwe's borders is poised to significantly benefit Zimbabwean expatriates, providing them with easier access to essential travel documents and facilitating the integration of passport applications in line with global standards.
Machiri stated, "The renovations at the embassy's offices in South Africa are now complete, and during the first part of this year, we will introduce passport centres at our embassies in Johannesburg and Cape Town." Simultaneously, plans are underway to establish additional passport centres in five countries, including London in the UK and the US, with the final two locations currently under consideration.
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| Zimbabwe to Extend Passport Services to South Africa, UK, and US by 2024 |
Furthermore, Machiri has assured that the application fees for passports processed outside Zimbabwe will be aligned with the fees applicable for domestic applications. Additionally, the details of applicants will be processed through the newly established overseas offices, ensuring a streamlined and standardized procedure.
The decision to expand passport services globally comes against the backdrop of high demand for passports within Zimbabwe, largely driven by residents seeking improved employment prospects abroad. The government has acknowledged the significance of passport issuance as a notable revenue source, exemplified by recent fee adjustments, where standard passport applications now cost US$150 and emergency passport applications are priced at US$250.
The move to extend passport services beyond Zimbabwe's borders is poised to significantly benefit Zimbabwean expatriates, providing them with easier access to essential travel documents and facilitating the integration of passport applications in line with global standards.
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