by Zivanai Dhewa

Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Ambassador Cain Mathema has pledged to expedite the production of passports and reduce the waiting period before people can receive their passports.

Speaking at his maiden tour of the Central Registry familiarisation on 10 October 2018, Minister Mathema promised better service.

“In the very near future passport availability will be done within four weeks,” said Ambassador Mathema. 

Addressing the issue of backlog, Ambassador Mathema, said, “I am aware that due to circumstances beyond the control of the Department there is production backlog of passports going back as far back as April 2018.

“I have discussed with the Registrar General who has assured me that there is now a work plan in place to clear the backlog within the shortest possible time and bring passport production to within normal timelines,” he added

The Minister emphasised on the urgent need to decentralise passport issuance.

“Efforts are also underway to decentralise and bring services closer to the people.  My Ministry intends to complete construction of District Registry Offices in a bid to improve service delivery,” he said.

He added: “Districts that are almost through include Murewa, Goromonzi, Wedza, Kadoma, Insiza and Binga, with contruction of Nkayi and Nyanga District Registry Offices having been completed and will soon be officially opened to the public.”

Meanwhile, Minister Mathema revealed that the Registrar General’s Department is currently preparing to launch the e-passport which has been developed over time after thorough research consultation in line with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards and guidelines on travel documents.