TRAVEL DOCUMENTS WOES WORSEN

MBABANE – Many people were left dejected yesterday after being turned back by officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs who said they would not be taking any new applications for travel documents.

These are people who had gone to the ministry’s offices to make applications for travel documents and were informed that priority would be given to students studying out of the country.

During a visit to the ministry’s offices, the reception area was found with only three people seated on the chairs, hoping to get a different response.
This is a far cry from the scene witnessed in December last year where the ministry’s offices were always filled with people who wanted travel documents.

One of the officers who was found at the reception area said they were not giving out forms for new applications because the machine they used was congested and could no  store  any new information. As such, he said it would be impossible to make new registrations and load them in the machine.

Some of the people who were turned back enquired as to when they should come to apply for the travel documents and they were informed that they would be informed in due course.

“When you hear that travel documents have arrived, then maybe you can come and try your luck because it will mean that some of the applicants have received their documents and they are out of the waiting system,” the Immigration officer stated. 

Chief Immigration Officer Makhosi Simelane, said it was not proper for the ministry’s officials to send back people. He said people should be given a choice; if their trip is a valid emergency they can apply for passports, if not, they can wait.  

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