27 Jan 2016

Due to the improved turnaround time in the production of passports, the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs has terminated express and extra services for passport application.

Speaking in an interview, the director of immigration and citizenship, Mr Mabuse Pule explained that the services would no longer be provided as his department can produce passports within two to five days upon application.

The application fee required for the service is P260.

Mr Pule noted the importance of handling passports with care as they were viewed as government property. He said passport holders should not inscribe or paste anything on the document.

He highlighted that damages to a passport would attract a penalty of P1 000 plus an application fee of P260. 

He added that passports should be kept in a safe place at all times.

He encouraged the public to always report damaged as well as stolen or missing passports to the nearest immigration office. He said that the owner of a passport that was reported missing or stolen should wait for 12 months before it could be replaced.

Mr Pule highlighted some of the challenges that affect their production turnaround time, among them provision of false information, especially parent details.

He also cited last minute applications during holidays,saying they put a lot of pressure on his staff. ENDS