Authorities warn on passport ‘middlemen’

The Immigration and Citizenship Services Department has warned passport applicants against fraudsters who are taking advantage of people by promising to help them obtain passports quickly.

In a statement issued today, Immigration Department Public relations officer,Pasqually Zulu said people should not give passport application fees to anyone, including employees of the department.

Zulu said passport fees should only be paid to bank officials at the bank located within passport application centres.

He has further urged members of the public to be cautious of individuals claiming that they can fast-track the passport application process in exchange for money.

The department has also advised people who have been defrauded or lost money to fraudsters to report the cases immediately to the Complaints Desks located at its offices in all regions across the country.

Meanwhile,the Immigration Department has assured the public that it will continue serving citizens with commitment, fairness, respect, transparency, impartiality and professionalism.