Following numerous complaints about the high rejection of Passport applications, the Zimbabwean embassy in Pretoria has decided to streamline the passport application process to ensure that travelers have access to passports. The Sunday News reports.
This was revealed by the Consul General to Johannesburg, Mrs Melody Chaurura who addressed the issue of passport photos being rejected:
It has come to our attention that photos are being rejected for failure to meet minimum standards and we have received many complaints about this issue
We do not have preferred photographers, neither are we an affiliate of any photographer (s) and we have no interest in dictating where the photographs should be obtained.
As a way of ensuring transparency and accountability in judgments relating to passport photos, we have introduced a passport Photo Rejection Clearance Form. This will help review each decision before finalization.
Those with queries regarding the passport application process should continue contacting us via our online platforms and they should attach their signed rejection forms
According to the publication, for passport photos to be accepted they must have the following qualities:
The standard size of the (two) passport photography which is 3, 5 by 4, 5 cm, must be in colour, taken within a six months period, identical, white background, head straight, no shadows, eyes, and ears clearly visible, and printed on smooth quality non-glossy paper.
With regards to infants, in addition to the above, no headgear is allowed and the child’s eyes and ears must be clearly visible.
More: The Sunday News