Mthuli Ncube dribbles citizens, adds QR code charge on passport fees
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has dribbled Zimbabweans by adding a quick response (QR) code charge of US$20 to the prices of ordinary passports.
Ncube had initially proposed to increase ordinary passport fees from US$120 to US$200 in his 2024 National Budget.
Following an outcry from the citizens and legislators, the finance minister had reduced the proposed fees from US$200 to US$150.
However, according to Statutory Instrument 1 of 2024 (SI) the Citizenship (Passport Fees) (Amendment) Regulations, 2024( No.1), there is an extra fee of $US$20 which make the price for the ordinary passport US$170 and not US$150.
‘’…the following additional fee shall be charged for every electronically readable passport application to obtain a quick response (QR) code US$20’’ read part of the SI which was made by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage.
Statutory Instrument 1 of 2024
Previously, when one applied for an ordinary passport they would be given a receipt for US$100 and another for US$20). However it is not yet clear if the QR code fee will have its own separate receipt.
Zimbabwe introduced an electronic readable passport in 2023 to be at par with global trends and international best practices.
From Monday to Friday, Zimbabweans across the country queue at various passport offices to try and obtain the travelling document.
Unconfirmed reports say the majority of people who are obtaining the passports are reportedly leaving the country in search of greener pastures. This is due to the obtaining economic challenges in the country.
Meanwhile, the emergency passport which usually comes out after 24 hours is pegged at US$250. The ordinary passport which now cost US$170 comes out after seven working days.
Mthuli Ncube dribbles citizens, adds QR code charge on passport fees
