Zambezi Region Director of Immigration and Border Control Danelie |Naris has noted the misuse of emergency travel documents by individuals who often apply without meeting prescribed requirements.

|Naris's comments follow complaints from Katima Mulilo business people who say they have been denied income because the ministry refused their emergency travel document applications.

Frankie Ntemwa, co-owner of Caprivi Isaiah Tours and Safari, travels daily between Zimbabwe and Zambia. He said their passports get stamped eight times a day, filling them in two and a half months.

"We are unable to work because we are being denied emergency travel documents. The Ministry advised us that we cannot apply for emergency documents if we can't apply for passports, but I have applied for both simultaneously. My application is still with the ministry here in Katima Mulilo."

Ntemwa alleged that other companies, such as truck operators, receive special treatment.

"We called sources in Windhoek, saying tour operators, truck drivers, and those crossing borders can get emergency travel documents per policy. We require clarification from the Ministry of Home Affairs: why are we being treated differently? These are bread-and-butter issues; we're not playing—we're trying to earn a living."

|Naris explained that emergency travel documents are issued only under specific conditions, such as death or medical emergencies.

|Naris also raised concerns about misuse in the Zambezi Region and announced a public notice on requirements to raise awareness about qualifications will be issued soon.