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“The department has introduced its new website: http://www.rg.gov.zw. The website provides the public with all relevant information regarding the department’s offices and services,” said Mr Mudede.
“As part of the website, we have introduced a new computerised passport application form. This will enable anyone, with internet access, to fill in the passport application form within the website from the ease of their home or office, print it and apply for a new passport using this printed form.”
Mr Mudede said the new website was free from abuse by “tricksters” since it had a number of security features.
“Since security of such a procedure is paramount, the passport application form can only be printed after it has been completely filled in,” he said.
“The form cannot be downloaded empty. The passport application form cannot be saved on the local computer. The website also enables one to find any relevant information about the activities and services provided by the department as well as addresses of all their offices around Zimbabwe.”
Mr Mudede said with such measures in place, it would be impossible for one to download the forms and sell them on the streets.
Those without access to Internet would still get the forms at the RG’s office.
An ordinary passport costs $50 and takes a month to be processed, while an emergency passport, which takes three days, costs $250.
“While an applicant is filling out the passport application form, they will be requested to fill in a mobile phone number which will be used to get an SMS update the moment the passport is ready and waiting for collection,” said Mr Mudede.
“The department has invested in a top of the line SMS solution and has developed unique applications which will enable the RG to give better service to the Zimbabwean citizen.”
The SMS service, Mr Mudede said, would enter its pilot stage in the next few days.
Of late, Zimbabwe has witnessed a reduction in the number of people seeking passports and temporary travelling documents at the RG’s offices countrywide compared to previous years when hundreds of passport applicants would spend nights in the queues to get the forms.
The RG’s Office resorted to a system whereby passport seekers would make appointments for them to be attended to in a bid to cope with the increased demand.
Online Reporter