More than 2.2 million passports were distributed to citizens across Afghanistan during the solar year 1403.
Abdul Rahim Hasib, Director General of the Passport Department, stated that over 13 billion afghani in revenue were generated through passport issuance.
Hasib added: “In the year 1403, we distributed 2,272,384 passports. As I’ve previously mentioned, billions in revenue have been collected and deposited into the Central Bank of Afghanistan.”
He also highlighted that integrating the electronic ID (Tazkira) system with the passport department has simplified the process of correcting names and birthdates.
He said: “This issue is now resolved. We are connected to the electronic ID system and receive data directly from the National Statistics Authority. From now on, there should be no issues regarding errors in printed passports.”
Meanwhile, some passport applicants who visited the department expressed satisfaction with the improvements and new facilitative measures.
Mohammad Hanif, an applicant, told TOLOnews: “Last year, the process took six months to a year. Now, I completed my passport work in just three days. It has become much easier.”
Sayda Jan, another applicant, said: “If this process is implemented in the provinces as well, people will have better access. I received my passport very quickly, and others are also getting theirs without delays.”
Currently, demand for passports among citizens has declined compared to previous years.