Relief for Zimbabweans in the UK as e-Passport Centre Set to Open by Year-End
Construction of Zimbabwe’s new e-passport enrolment centre in the United Kingdom has officially begun and is expected to be completed before the end of 2025. Once open, the centre will serve thousands of Zimbabweans living in the UK, making it easier for them to apply for e-passports without travelling back home.
This will be Zimbabwe’s second foreign-based e-passport enrolment centre, following the successful launch of the first one at the consulate in Johannesburg, South Africa, last year.
UK e-Passport Centre Set to Open by Year-End
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Kazembe Kazembe confirmed that the UK centre would be ready this year. He said the government was rolling out the project one step at a time, having already completed the Johannesburg centre.
He explained that the new centre is about more than just convenience—it’s about making life easier for Zimbabweans abroad by bringing essential services closer to them.
“We are doing centre by centre. 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,” Kazembe confirmed.
Kazembe said the move is part of a broader push to modernise Zimbabwe’s civil registration system. He added that similar centres may be set up in other countries where many Zimbabweans are based.
Also read: Zimbabwe To Open E-Passport Offices In The UK: What You Need To Know
e-Passports Rolling Out Nationwide
He emphasised that the government is working to make the passport application process smoother, safer, and more accessible, especially for citizens abroad.
“This development is an important step towards modernisation. 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,” he added.
Zimbabwe introduced e-passports in January 2022 and now has 14 enrolment centres operating across the country. These include the main Harare passport registry and offices in Bulawayo, Gwanda, Gweru, Lupane, Marondera, Beitbridge, Chitungwiza, Hwange, Mazowe, Murewa, Zvishavane, Chinhoyi, and Guruve.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post Relief for Zimbabweans in the UK as e-Passport Centre Set to Open by Year-End appeared first on iHarare News.
