Mwanza starts issuing e-passports

Mwanza. The immigration office has embarked on issuance of electronic passports to interested Mwanza residents following the launch of the service on August 13.

The region’s immigration officer, who doubles as the deputy commissioner of the immigration department, Mr Paul Eranga, said they have so far 292 passports have been handed to the Mwanza residents.

“Nationally, a total of 30, 941 new electronic passports have already been issued. Out of the number, 30, 471 are ordinary passports, 93 are for public service, 392 are diplomatic passports and five for senior government leaders,” said Mr Eranga

He disclosed that the electronic passport application service was now being provided in 21 regions and that all the regions in the country are expected to be providing the service by December.

Launching the service, Mwanza Regional Commissioner John Mongella directed Immigration Department officers in the region to observe the country’s laws, regulations, procedures and guidelines when serving passport applicants.

Mr Mongela said the travel documents would not only help the nation’s security, but will also help boost the government’s revenue.

The RC called on the residents of the region to seize the opportunity by submitting their applications for the new passports before 2020, which is the deadline of using old passports.

Speaking on behalf of Mwanza district commissioners, the Nyamagana District Commissioner, Dr  Philis Nyimbi, said they had resolved to educate the public on the importance of the e-passports through public meetings and ensure that the new documents do not land into the hands of ineligible people.