Mbabane: Replacing a lost Identity Card (ID will no longer come cheap as the Government has announced an increase of fees for civil registration and immigration services with effect from 1st January 2021, user fees will be charged according to the Finance Act, 2019 Part XV, Section 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21.
This was announced by the Principal Secretary in the Minister of Home Affairs Nhlanhla Nxumalo who said initially, the Ministry intended to implement the act in the beginning of financial year 2020/21. However, due to Cost of Living Adjustment (Cola) complaints and now the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, implementation was postponed.
Furthermore, the Ministry wished-for a three (3) months advocacy with an intention to ensure the nation is prepared and adjust for the new changes. Consequently, following consultations with affected parties, we have modified our service standards to more accurately reflect the time required to deliver a service.
Increment
Nxumalo stated that in line with the service fee increment, Government continue to subsidize services, the fees increase have been kept to a minimum, but needed to cover a significant deficit in the account that funds the ever increasing production cost associated with individual irresponsibility i.e. replacement of lost and damaged documents.
Advantages
According to the Ministry, there are advantages associated with the new prices is that it shall save as a deterrent for luxury enrolment as some citizens enrol for services but fail to collect products at the end. Generally, anything with less value cannot force an individual to follow up, hence a need to add product value through appropriate pricing.
The service fees to be effected in compliance to the Finance Act, 2019 are as follows:
- Civil Registration and Vital Statistic Department
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