Zimbabwe’s Online Border Management System (OBMS) is now fully operational, allowing travellers to apply for visas and complete immigration processes online.
The system, launched by the Department of Immigration in January, aims to improve efficiency by digitising key border procedures for both travellers and immigration staff.
It now allows online visa applications and automated clearance at electronic gates (e-gates).
Travellers who have used the system say it has made a big difference, cutting down waiting times and making the overall travel experience much smoother. One of the travellers said:
In the blink of an eye, I am cleared, this is fantastic. The new system is super quick. Travelling is now enjoyable because we spend more time exploring, not waiting. This is a groundbreaking initiative that should be replicated globally.
This makes the destination Zimbabwe more attractive. As travellers, we do not want to waste time queuing. The process is fast and reliable, we are loving it.
Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Kazembe Kazembe, hailed the launch of the system. He said:
I’m glad to inform the citizenry that through this OBMS we have deployed, people can now fill in their arrival forms from the comfort of their homes even before booking their flights.
With online applications now enabled, our website is live and fully functional. You can even complete the process mid-air if you have Wi-Fi access. Last time we checked, it took about 40 seconds to clear one person.
I asked the service provider to reduce that time and now, I am proud to say clearance through the e-gate takes just 22 seconds. That means three people can be processed per minute something not possible with manual systems.
The OBMS is now operational at major ports of entry including Beitbridge border post, Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport and Victoria Falls International Airport.
More: ZBC News
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