Zimbabwean Community in South Africa Launches Petition Against Steep Passport Fee Increase
The Zimbabwean community in South Africa is expressing outrage following a significant increase in passport fees.
On July 29, the Zimbabwean consulate in Johannesburg announced that passport fees would rise by nearly 50%, prompting widespread backlash and the launch of a petition against the decision.
Also Read: Zimbabweans in South Africa Hit with Crushing Passport Application Fee Hike
New Passport Prices Announcement
The consulate announced that from July 29, all passport applications would be processed as express applications, costing $250 instead of the previous $170.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage has directed that all e-Passports applications processed at the Consulate in Johannesburg, South Africa, shall be handled as express/emergency applications.In effect, this means passport application fees for the express/emergency passport shall be USD250.00 charged at the prevailing USD/ZAR exchange rate with effect from Monday 29 July 2024,” the consulate said. ,” the consulate announced
Petition Launched Against Fee Increase
According to GroundUp, in response to the price hike, the Zimbabwe Community in South Africa initiated a petition on July 30, urging the Zimbabwean government to reconsider its decision. The petition quickly garnered more than 1,100 signatures, reflecting the community’s frustration.
“This fee is far beyond what many Zimbabwean nationals in South Africa can afford. It’s an overwhelming burden that prevents us from securing our legal documents, which are part and parcel of our fundamental human rights. We call upon the Zimbabwean government to reassess these fees and reduce them to a fair amount,” the petition states.
Concerns for Low-Income Earners
Organizations representing Zimbabweans in South Africa have voiced their concerns, highlighting the financial strain the new fees impose on low-income earners. Chris Mapingure, chairman of the Zimbabwe Migrants Support Network, emphasized the impact on the community.
“The majority of them do not have formal jobs. They’re earning less than R5,000 per month. Many people won’t afford this amount, and a lot of people will remain undocumented,” said Mapingure.
He called on the government of Zimbabwe to revise the passport fees.
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