Story by Tichaona Kurewa
THE Department of Immigration is transforming border entry in Zimbabwe after the launch of the Online Border Management System (OBMS) this January.
OBMS aims to significantly improve border processes for travellers and immigration officials.
The innovative system is now operational at key ports of entry including Beitbridge border post, Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, and Victoria Falls International Airport.
Travellers are experiencing the positive impact of the OBMS first hand, including reduced clearance times to under a minute, elimination of long queues and streamlining the entry process.
“I think this is a tremendous improvement and I think it’s much better than waiting a long queue,” said a traveller.
“I am happy with this new development, it makes the clearing process easy for travellers,” said another traveller.
“What I’m seeing here is pleasing, it’s good that Zimbabwe is moving with times,” said a traveller.
“My experience is that this is a very easy process to go through,” said another traveller.
The Department of Immigration also outlined benefits that come with the OBMS and some of its components such as e-gates.
“The system is designed to streamline immigration procedures and enhance border security. It employs a complex computer platform that automates various aspects of migration governance. The OBMS synchronises traveller information and biometrics, allowing for the fast clearance of travellers due to easy accessibility of traveller information and limited human interface. Where it used to take about 3 minutes to clear a traveller, it now takes just a minute. Apart from the expeditious clearances and seamless facilitation of entry and exit, the OBMS also enhances border security. I wish to express that the OBMS stands-out as the game-changer,” said chief director-Department of Immigration, Ms Respect Gono.
“What you have behind me here is an eGET and it’s an automated barrier which we use for clearing our clients and it actually removes the need for officers to be doing clearance work. It compares the information that is stored in an electronic passport, which is the only passport that you can actually use at our office. The information that is stored in the passport is read by the machine, which compares the information that is captured when you arrive in the country by the eGET. If there is a match, then that e-gate opens for you to get into the country. If there is a mismatch, then you are not allowed to enter. That’s when the officer can intervene,” said head IT of Department of Immigration, Mr Oscar Chitsa.
The implementation of OBMS signifies Zimbabwe’s dedication to modernising its tourism infrastructure and fostering a more enjoyable travel experience for visitors.
