SWAKOPMUND – The Ministry of Home Affairs and Immigration on Friday launched the piloting phase for a passport data system at its Erongo regional office to improve the passport application process.
In a speech read on her behalf at the launch, deputy minister of home affairs and immigration Maureen Hinda-Mbuende explained that with this process, members of the public will no longer have to bring their own passport photos when applying. Instead, they will have photos taken at the premises, which will also improve the security features of the passports.
Hinda-Mbuende said the applicant will also be given an electronic receipt with a unique number and provision for SMS code enquiries.
“The ministry is also in the process of rolling out the same system to other regional offices, with Erongo being the first to pilot this initiative,” she said.
She encouraged residents of the Erongo region to make use of the new initiative.
Meanwhile, Hinda-Mbuende noted that passports will henceforth be valid for 10 years, which will lessen the demands for new passports.
Namibia in January 2018 joined other international communities in issuing e-travel documents which are highly secure, with a chip designed to provide the maximum protection of documents.
“The e-passports consist of Namibian ordinary, diplomatic and official passports, which will run concurrently with machine-readable passports until they outlive their lifespan of five years,” she said.
The validity of passports for applicants under 21 years of age will, however, remain five years because of changes in facial features at these ages. – Nampa.
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