Government says it is migrating from machine readable to electronic passports in conformity with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standard.

Ministry of Home Affairs Public Relations Officer Nephas Chifuta says this will also result in improving security in line with the ICAO standards.

Mr. Chifuta says in line with this decision, a tender for technical and financial proposals for the e-passport production through a Public Private Partnership (PPP) has been floated.

“This tender seeks to solicit participation from all reputable companies with financial and technical capacity to facilitate migration from machine readable to e- passport,” he said.

He adds that the tender was floated in accordance with the Zambia Procurement regulations which guide and regulate all public procurement.

Mr. Chifuta has also disassociated his ministry from the speculation and allegations circulating on social media relating to corruption surrounding this procurement and that this tender has already been awarded to a Belgian company as false, malicious and unfounded, and therefore, to be treated as mere speculations.

The Ministry of Home Affairs Spokesperson has since urged all interested companies to respond to the solicitation before the due date for possible consideration.