Financial Crime World

Here is the rewritten article in markdown format:

Zimbabwe Launches Digital Identity Verification Initiative

Modernizing Passport Issuance Process

In a bid to modernize its passport issuance process, the government of Zimbabwe has embarked on an ambitious digital identity verification project. The initiative aims to issue new generation biometric passports across the country and enroll citizens for digital ID cards and birth certificates.

Key Components of the Initiative

  • Production infrastructure for e-passports will be extended to all ten provinces by June this year.
  • Issuance office in Harare will operate on Saturdays to meet growing demand.
  • A new center has been opened in Bulawayo to reduce congestion.
  • Biometric passport system adheres to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and includes equipment and software for enrollment.

Enrolling Citizens for Digital ID Cards and Birth Certificates

A special campaign to enroll citizens for digital ID cards and birth certificates is scheduled to begin in April this year and run until September. The initiative aims to cover the entire country and provide citizens with essential identity documents.

Benefits of Digital ID Cards and Birth Certificates

  • Essential documents needed for passport establishment
  • Secure access to travel documents
  • Convenient online applications and payments

Express Passport Office Center in Harare

To facilitate online applications and payments, an express passport office center has been opened in Harare. The center can issue travel documents within 48 hours from application, bringing convenience to those who require emergency passports.

Key Features of the Express Center

  • Online booking system to decongest premises and ensure scheduled time slots
  • System can serve 20 people every 20 minutes, given the number of booths and staff serving inside

Controversy Over Contractor Selection

The new generation biometric passport system was announced in August last year, but faced controversy over contractor selection. Lithuanian company Garsu Pasaulis has been named as a technology supplier for the travel ID document.

Conclusion

The initiative is part of Zimbabwe’s efforts to digitalize its identity verification processes and provide citizens with secure and convenient access to essential documents.