Despite the recent introduction of Zimbabwe’s new gold-backed currency, the Zig, citizens will continue to pay passport fees in US dollars, according to Deputy Finance Minister David Kuda Mnangagwa.
Mnangagwa clarified on Monday that a previous agreement with the Lithuanian passport printing company, Garsu Pasaulis, stipulates that passport fees must be settled in dollars.
Zimbabwe’s decision to roll out the Zig currency, standing for “Zimbabwe Gold,” aimed to stabilize the country’s struggling economy, replacing the devalued Zimbabwean dollar (RTGS) which had lost significant value earlier this year.
However, the government’s decision to maintain passport fees in USD has drawn criticism from within Zimbabwe. Critics argue that this move undermines confidence in the new currency.
Journalist Hopewell Chin’ono expressed concerns on social media, stating, “As long as the Zig is not embraced by its own government, it risks losing its value rapidly.”
Recently, Zimbabwe’s government raised passport fees to $200 (£160), up from $120 in December of the previous year.
