Burundi’s Immigration Authority has announced an online website to apply for different travel documents including passports.
“All the documents that the Immigration authority issues including Passports, Laissez-Passer, Visas will now be requested online. No need to queue at the Immigration Authority’s office,” a statement read from Burundi’s ministry of Internal Affairs.
During a press conference held in Bujumbura this Tuesday October 4th 2022, Maurice Mbonimpa the Commissioner General of Immigration office said that no one will be allowed at the immigration offices unless given a rendezvous.
“All the necessary documents will be sent to the immigration via our website and rendezvous will be given to the successful one via e-mail or Whatsapp, this applies to all applicants in and outside the country,” said the Immigration Office Commissioner General.
Burundian netizens hailed the move labeling it as a success in the country, their reactions came as long queues and increased frustrations were witnessed at the immigration offices in Bujumbura due to the high demand of the travel documents.
“Very good news to applicants for travel documents who were doing a long run in search of them,” commented RENAPE-BURUNDI (National Awakening For the Promotion of Equity), Civil organization for the defense of human rights in Burundi.
“Thank you and I hope that those who don’t have access to internet or smart phones will have an option of doing it offline,” commented Lucie Kwizera.
“This initiative is commendable, however it would have been more fruitful if our national identity cards are digitalized. Like I recently found out I share my Identity Card number with another person of a totally different background. I was so surprised but remembered we are still in analog,” said Dalila Nimpagaritse.
“A chance should be given to those in the diaspora with expired Burundi passports to apply for a new passport online,” demanded a one Mukwananzi.
Since 2007, CONTEC Global New Delhi (India) based company signed $200-million deal with Burundi government to set up an e-Governance platform, which will cover e-Passports, e-Visas, resident permits, driving licenses, vehicle registrations, national IDs and other related documents.
