Registrar General Henry Machiri yesterday revealed that technical challenges at the Civil Registry Department is causing challenges in the issuance of vital registration and travel documents.
This comes at a time when Zimbabwe is issuing e-passports which will soon replace the old format passports.
Machiri said, “Our technicians are working tirelessly to rectify the situation and members of the public are urged to remain calm and bear with us during this time.”
“We sincerely apologize for inconveniences caused by this development which we are working around the clock to address.”
Citizens have been rushing for e-passports with messages of the government’s decision to phase out the old format passports from next year already in circulation.
Updating on the issuance of the new passports Machiri said, “The Department in collaboration with the partner Garsu Pasaulis (GP) has made significant improvements in the issuance of electronic passports (e-passports) and since January 2022, a total of 140 000 passports have been issued.”
“The e-passport project has also been successfully cascaded to Bulawayo, Lupane, Chitungwiza, Murewa and Hwange.”
“Recently, the project was completed in Gweru and Beitbridge; and by end of October 2022 it will be completed in all the provinces.”
The Registrar General also said the Registration Department will clear the current passport backlog by September 2022.
“In July 2022, the Department resumed clearance of the passport backlog which was 176 000,” said Machiri.
“The backlog has now been reduced to 80 000 as at 10 August 2022.”
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