THE Civil Registry Department has announced that passport offices will no longer be operating on Saturdays.
The announcement comes after the department came under fire over malfunctioning machines, leading to delays in the issuance of passports.
In August last year, hundreds of passport seekers across the country were left stranded at the Registrar-General’s Office after machines producing newly-introduced e-passports broke down.
In a statement, the department said starting today, passport offices would be operating from 0745 to 1645 hours on weekdays.
“Extra hours will be implemented whenever it is necessary. The Civil Registry Department would also like to remind members of the public that the e-passports can be accessed at the Harare passport office, Bulawayo provincial registry, Chinhoyi provincial, Gweru provincial registry, Lupane provincial registry, Marondera provincial registry office, Murewa district registry, Beitbridge district registry, Chitungwiza district registry, Hwange district registry and Zvishavane district registry,” the statement read.
The department also advised that the e-passport, which can be issued within seven working days, costs US$120, while emergency e-passports that are issued within 48 hours can be accessed at US$220.
