Bulawayo (New Ziana) -The introduction of the biometric system coupled with the decentralisation of the service has seen the Civil Registry department improving on the issuance of passports despite the ever-rising demand.

The country has faced an increased demand for travel documents in recent years mainly driven by nationals living outside the country and those seeking to go abroad in search of new opportunities.

In response, the government has intervened through rolling out the e-passports and decentralising the process to the districts under the devolution agenda.

Addressing journalists after touring the Bulawayo passport offices, provincial registrar Jane Peters hailed the new biometric system and the decentralisation of services as a milestone achievement which has seen a marked improvement in issuing the travel documents in the country and the region.

“We no longer talk of backlogs but clearing of queues on time. Decentralisation has played a critical role in decongesting and easing pressure,”

Peters said the only backlog they have was for collection as some clients apply for passport and don’t come back to collect in the stipulated time frame of seven days.

New Ziana