Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Hon Chido Sanyatwe centre flanked by Secretary of Home Affairs Amb Raphel Faranisi and Chief Director Immigration Ms Respect Gono pose for a photo at the ZITF in Bulawayo recently.
By Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe has ushered in a new era of border management with the launch of the Online Border Management System (OBMS), a transformative initiative by the Department of Immigration that is revolutionizing services at the nation’s entry and exit points.
The Department of Immigration unpacked the OBMS to thousands of attendees at the 65th edition of the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo, drawing widespread praise for this significant milestone in the country’s drive toward modernization and digitalization.
This development do not only mark a major technological advancement but also underscores Zimbabwe’s unwavering commitment to national progress, security, and service excellence in line with global standards.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ZITF, the Chief Director of the Department of Immigration, Ms. Respect Gono, highlighted the significance of the new system.
“The OBMS has brought to reality the digitalization of immigration processes. With this new system in place, Zimbabwe is not merely catching up but setting the stage for a future rife with potential,” she said.
The integration of cutting edge technology by the Immigration Department is in tandem with the Second Republic’s broader vision of embracing technology to drive national development, improve service delivery, and strengthen Zimbabwe’s place in the global economy.
The OBMS is not only marking a significant milestone in the evolution of immigration processes but also strengthening Zimbabwe’s position as a thriving hub for trade and travel in the region.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa captured this vision aptly in his statement on the National Migration Policy, where he said,
“The facilitation of mobility through well managed border movements is an increasingly indispensable component of Zimbabwe in view of the country’s strategic position on international mobility corridors, not least the North-South Corridor which is critical in the operationalization of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.”
At the heart of the OBMS is the introduction of electronic gates, known as e-gates, which automate and streamline immigration processes. These self-service portals allow travelers to scan their own documents, significantly reducing waiting times and enhancing the overall passenger experience.
Beyond convenience, the OBMS strikes a critical balance between efficient service delivery and heightened security—an essential combination for fostering economic growth and investor confidence.
In a notable step toward inclusivity, the OBMS now offers F1 immigration forms in multiple languages, including Chinese Mandarin. This feature breaks down language barriers for international visitors, further positioning Zimbabwe as an accessible and attractive destination for global tourism and business.
Moreover, with the introduction of QR codes accessible to all travellers, the system promises to facilitate seamless transitions at border points.
Perhaps one of the most noteworthy aspects of the e-gates is their role in enhancing security and reducing crime. Through biometric technology, these automated barriers allow for quick and contactless entry or exit, while closely monitoring movements.
The OBMS’s ability to flag persons of interest not only combats human and drug trafficking but also acts as a strong deterrent against money laundering.
Over the years, Zimbabwe has grappled with challenges such as trafficking in persons and related crimes, and the new technology is poised to close these loopholes. This safeguard is transforming the nation’s ports of entry into fortified gateways of security and trust.
The system also has passport scanners which capture vital information, including photos, travel histories, and the identity of immigration officers, all aimed at preserving the integrity of Zimbabwes borders.
The department has also stepped up its efforts by establishing a dedicated help desk and integrating a call center into the OBMS, ensuring support is readily available for victims of trafficking and abuse, and many other issues that may need attention.
This initiative exemplifies Zimbabwe’s commitment not just to border control, but to human dignity and resilience.
Furthermore, the introduction of e-visas and electronic payment submissions signifies a monumental shift towards efficiency within the immigration framework. Businesses thrive on speed and reliability; thus, the OBMS is poised to bolster trade not just at the borders but across the economy.
The integration with the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency (ZIDA) enhances investor experiences, ensuring that entry into the Zimbabwean market is smooth and unencumbered by unnecessary delays.
The establishment of these online platforms is in line with the digital migration policy, launched in 2023, which encapsulates the countrys comprehensive approach to immigration governance, harmonising national diaspora, tourism, and labour migration policies. It embodies a commitment to safe, orderly, and regular migration, cultivating an environment where the ease of doing business is paramount.
Zimbabwe stands on the brink of a new chapter in its development, the Online Border Management System is more than a technological advancement but a bold statement of intent.
