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ISSUANCE OF TRAVEL DOCUMENTS SUSPENDED

13/12/2023 18:27:00 Mthunzi Mdluli
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MBABANE – EmaSwati wishing to travel abroad, who are in need of travel documents, have to wait until December 21 or 22 before they can get them.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued a statement on the suspension of several services at its head office. The ministry has indicated though that alternative means would be put in place to assist those with emergency situations to travel outside the country. The suspension is with effect from yesterday.

Reason

The reason behind the suspension of the services, according to Principal Secretary (PS) Nhlanhla Nxumalo, is that the Immigration Department is relocating from the first to the second floor of the headquarters. He said the relocation was in preparation for necessary renovations to enhance service delivery. “The production centre will undergo comprehensive renovations, starting today and will remain closed until Thursday, December 21, 2023. As a result, there will be a temporary halt in the production of all types of travel documents, including international passports and other related documents,” said Nxumalo.

Relocations

The PS further said the ministry understood that the relocation might cause inconvenience to their valued clients and stakeholders. He then regretted any inconvenience caused.
On national radio yesterday, Mlandvo Dlamini, the Communications Officer in the Ministry of Home Affairs, further stated that the ministry previously reported of the challenges they faced in producing travel documents, more especially at the production centre, which ended up affecting the service delivery. “This is not a bad timing as some people may think, since each day is crucial in the ministry. During the rainy seasons, the production machine had been always exposed to rain. As a ministry, we are trying to sort this problem once and for all. 2024 must be joyful year for everyone,” he said. The communications officer also indicated that the Civic Registration Department would experience a few disturbances.
He then pleaded for emaSwati’s cooperation during this period as the ministry was relocating.

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