Zimbabwe rolls out online system to ease immigration procedures

Zimbabwe has introduced electronic gates (e-gates) that automate immigration processes as part of the first phase of its new online border management system (OBMS). 14 e-gates have been installed at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport to simplify immigration procedures and increase border security by eliminating the need for physical human intervention at entry and exit points.  According to reports, the system is based on Dubai's Smart Gates platform, and it provides a quick and contactless way for eligible travellers to pass through passport control points at Dubai International Airport.

In Zimbabwe, the system is expected to reduce congestion at busy border posts and international airports, increasing efficiency and discouraging illegal activities such as human and drug trafficking and money laundering. 

Travellers using e-passports can scan their documents and provide facial or fingerprint data, allowing for quick and contactless entry or exit.

Ambassador Raphael Faranisi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, confirmed that the country intends to implement the system in additional locations such as Victoria Falls, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo internInternational Airportsthe Beitbridge Border Post.

He explained that "e-gates are automated self-service barriers that authenticate the passport holder's identity by using data contained in a chip in biometric passports and a photo or fingerprint obtained when entering the e-gate."

This process compares a photograph or fingerprint captured at the gate with the biometric data stored in the passport’s chip or immigration database. The traveller will only be allowed to proceed if the data matches. 

“If the traveller has no outstanding offences or crimes, the e-gate will allow the traveller to pass. E-gates, as a component of the online border management system, will reduce cross-border crimes, especially human and drug trafficking, as well as money laundering,” Faranisi added. 

In August 2024, Kazembe Kazembe, Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, announced plans to implement the integrated computerised system the Ministry has initiated encompassing the civil registry, Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Immigration Department.

He confirmed that the online border management system will be implemented at all border posts and completed by the end of the year.

Zimbabwe began issuing e-passports in 2021 and has since made improvements. In a recent move, the country announced plans to establish three e-passport centres in Zambia, the United Kingdom, and the United States following the trial of an e-passport office at the Zimbabwe Consulate in Johannesburg, South Africa.