UK e-passport centre to open by year-end

Sunday Mail Reporter

THE development of a new e-passport enrolment centre in the United Kingdom, set to serve the large Zimbabwean diaspora community in the European country, has commenced and is expected to be complete by the end of this year.

The initiative has since been onboarded onto the Government’s 100-day cycle projects — a performance-based programme designed to fast-track high-impact projects by setting clear targets and timelines for delivery.

The 100-day cycle is part of the Government’s results-based management (RBM) framework, which holds ministries and agencies accountable for measurable outcomes.

Projects selected for this programme are monitored closely to ensure rapid implementation, efficient use of resources and timely public service delivery.

The UK facility is set to become Zimbabwe’s second e-passport enrolment centre established on foreign land following the successful launch of the first one at the country’s consulate in Johannesburg, South Africa, last year.

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe confirmed that the UK centre will open its doors to the public this year.

“We are doing centre by centre,” he said.

“Our team has successfully completed the Johannesburg centre, and I am confident that we will finish the UK centre by the end of the year.

“This is not just about convenience; it’s about ensuring that our diaspora can access essential services without the need to travel long distances.

“We are on track with our timeline, and I urge all Zimbabweans in the UK to prepare for the launch; the target is to be done by the end of this year.”

The new e-passport centres being established at Zimbabwean embassies and consulates are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure secure and efficient processing.

Once operational, the UK centre will enable Zimbabwean citizens living in the region to apply for e-passports without travelling back home.

Minister Kazembe said the initiative was part of the Government’s broader strategy to modernise civil registration services and strengthen engagement with Zimbabwean communities abroad.

“This development is an important step towards modernisation,” he added.

“We are committed to making the passport application process as seamless as possible.

“We have already established a strong foundation, and we are looking at other regions and countries with Zimbabwean populations based there.”

Since the introduction of e-passports in January 2022, a total of 14 enrolment centres have been established nationwide.

e-passports are now being processed at the Harare passport registry, as well as provincial and district offices in Bulawayo, Gwanda, Gweru, Lupane, Marondera, Beitbridge, Chitungwiza, Hwange, Mazowe, Murewa, Zvishavane, Chinhoyi and Guruve.

This year, the Civil Registry Department is targeting to open additional centres in Mutare and Gokwe South district.

In addition to the new centres, the Government is also planning to launch an online platform for passport and national identity card applications.

The platform will streamline the process of accessing essential civic documents.