Registrar-General, clarify passport issues

available passport application forms on the Internet as one sure way of decongesting the office.
It is a welcome development that should benefit many Zimbabweans who have endured long queues and problems to obtain a passport.
In fact, the new measures were long overdue, given the technological advancement that this country is going through. It appeared the RG’s office was resistant to embracing change brought about by technology and was content doing business the archaic way.
The manual way of conducting business had become a thorn in the flesh for many people, as besides the bustle and hustle and the long queues, many people also had to do with a lot of abuse at the hands of some officials.
The treatment that people got from the officials was so demeaning that the thought and sight of an about to expire passport would send shivers down the spine of many people. They would really dread going to the passport office.
Hopefully, the new measures will make the abuse of people a thing of the past and that the passport office becomes a pleasant place for anyone to conduct business. The long queues and the congestion not only affected applicants but also other companies within the vicinity of Makombe Buildings where the RG’s office is housed.
We are indeed pleased that finally the voice of reason has permeated the minds of authorities, culminating in new measures on passport application forms and collection. Now people can download application forms on the Internet and receive SMS messages to collect their documents.
We believe the development will help bring some form of order at the offices, which had become hell for many people to visit. We have no doubt whatsoever that the development will improve efficiency and reduce time spent by people queuing for forms.
The new measures are in line with global trends, no doubt about that and we remain optimistic they will bring about change in the manner in which the RG’s office conducts its business.
However, our gripe is on the lack of clarity on the submission fees, the cost of an ordinary passport and why the office has not also considered that filled in forms are sent back via the same mode they are downloaded.
It is not clear on the submission fee of US$33. People would want to know if this is now the new fee for an ordinary passport that many people have been paying a fee of US$53.
This is an area that needs to be urgently addressed as already some people are of the view that the fee for an ordinary passport has gone up to US$86.
Another aspect that was left hanging is that of downloading of the application forms in respect of whether or not the forms need to be printed on black or colour printer. The issue of sending the filled forms using the Internet also needed to be explained in terms of whether it was acceptable or not.
Instead, the RG left many people guessing on exactly what the new measures entailed and for this reason the office has to come out clear to clarify the issues.
In the absence of clarity, we do not understand how the measures will help reduce queues and decongest the passport offices, as people will still need to go and submit and collect their documents.
The announcement of such important measures needs people to put their minds together so that they are able to plug any holes that may arise.
We do not expect such measures to cause confusion, as indeed they are well meant and largely designed to bring relief to Zimbabweans.
It is now left to the RG to quickly make another announcement giving answers to all the questions that people are asking and we hope that it is done soonest, otherwise it is a step in the right direction.