Online Reporter
Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau
The Department of Immigration has rolled out seven online modules embracing digitisation to efficiently process travellers and visas at Zimbabwe’s ports of entry.
At the Beitbridge border post, the department is already using automated gate systems, known as eGates, which allow travellers with new biometric passports to enter or exit Zimbabwe with minimal human interaction. This upgrade enhances both convenience and security.
In addition, electronic visa and compliance systems have been introduced, significantly reducing the time travellers spend at ports of entry.
This latest initiative is part of the Government’s broader drive to modernise Beitbridge Border Post and improve service delivery.
Mrs Canisia Magaya, Assistant Regional Immigration Officer in charge of Beitbridge, explained that the department is currently operating seven modules: registry, eVisa, ePermits, eGates, entry/exit, compliance, advanced passenger information and passenger name record, as well as security and audit.
She made these remarks during a field visit by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Transport and Infrastructure Development on Sunday, aimed at familiarising themselves with ongoing projects under the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development. These include border transformation and the construction of five major out-of-port projects in Beitbridge town, such as a new fire station, an 11.4-megalitre water reservoir, 220 houses for border agencies, an animal plant and quarantine centre, and a sewer oxidation dam.
“As we move with global trends we now have embraced seven online modules to offer seamless services to travellers and our clients as part of the country’s broader efforts to modernize its ports of entries,” said Mrs Magaya.
“At Beitbridge we are currently using the eVisa, ePermits, compliance and the entry and exit modules while others are being gradually introduced.
“The eGates enables travellers to scan their biometric passports and undergo automated identity verification, replacing the need for manual passport checks by border officials. This system has significantly reduced waiting times and improved the efficiency of border control procedures.”
She added that more modules will be introduced in due course and noted that with eVisa and ePermits, travellers can process these online before arriving at their desired port of entry, where the compliance module is then applied.
Mrs Magaya said the use of digital platforms is part of the department’s commitment to embracing the ease of doing business.
Alongside the eGates, the department has upgraded the Online Border Management System (OBMS). This new immigration system complements the current automation system at the border, where most services are now digitised.
The OBMS captures travellers’ bio-data, flags suspicious individuals, and automatically allocates visitor durations—for example, 30 days for holiday visitors, seven days for business travellers, and three days for transit passengers.
“The use of electronic systems eliminates a lot of bottlenecks that come with the use of manual systems at the port of entry,” Mrs Magaya concluded.
derick.khumalo