Zimbabwe to open e-passport enrolment centre in the UK by year-end

Work has begun on establishing a new e-passport enrolment centre in the United Kingdom, a significant development aimed at providing easier access to essential civic services for Zimbabweans living abroad. The project, which targets completion by the end of this year, is part of the Government's 100-day cycle programme - a performance-focused strategy to fast-track high-impact public service projects.

The 100-day cycle approach is a key pillar of the Government's results-based management framework. It ensures that ministries and agencies deliver measurable results within tight timelines, with close monitoring to promote efficiency and timely service delivery.

The planned UK facility will be Zimbabwe's second e-passport enrolment centre established outside its borders. The first was successfully launched at the country's consulate in Johannesburg, South Africa, last year, providing a critical service to Zimbabweans living in the region.

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe confirmed that the UK centre is on schedule and will open its doors to the public before the year ends. He said the initiative was not only about convenience but also about reaffirming the Government's commitment to serving Zimbabwean communities abroad.

"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," said Minister Kazembe. "This is not just about convenience; it's about ensuring that our diaspora can access essential services without the need to travel long distances."

The centre will feature modern biometric and data processing equipment, ensuring a secure and efficient passport enrolment process. Once operational, Zimbabwean citizens residing in the UK will be able to apply for their e-passports locally, eliminating the need to travel to Zimbabwe for the service.

Minister Kazembe said the establishment of e-passport centres abroad aligns with the Government's wider strategy to modernise civil registration services and strengthen its relationship with Zimbabwean communities outside the country. He added that similar initiatives are being considered for other countries with significant Zimbabwean populations.

Since the introduction of the e-passport in January 2022, Zimbabwe has expanded access to the document by opening 14 enrolment centres across the country. These include facilities at the Harare passport registry and various provincial and district offices. More centres are set to open this year in Mutare and Gokwe South, as part of ongoing decentralisation efforts.

In a further push for accessibility, the Government is also developing an online platform that will allow citizens to apply for passports and national identity cards digitally. This move is expected to reduce queues and streamline the entire application process.

The new UK-based centre is a significant milestone in the modernisation of Zimbabwe's civil registry system. By bringing passport services closer to the people, the Government aims to make essential documentation more accessible, especially for those living far from home.