No Privileges For ZCCs In Omang And Passports Photos
Lekopanye Mooketsi | Monday September 22, 2014 16:51
Amongst other requirements, the Botswana guidelines stipulate that caps are not allowed. The ZCC men’s headgears look like caps, while their women’s blue and green berets could easily be mistaken for a fashion item.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Labour and Home Affairs, Ikothaeng Bagopi confirmed to The Monitor that despite the ZCC outlawing their women from taking off their headgear in public, the immigration department will not allow them to take pictures with the hats as the ZCC head gear is not listed in the permissible items for official documents.
Interestingly, while Herero women have made it in the list of groups that can take Omang and passport photos with their headgear, Herero men do not enjoy the same privilege. They are expected to take off their hats, although it is perceived as undignified for a married Herero man to take off his hat. Bagopi says they only allow religious headgear prescribed by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) adding that fashion headgears are not on the list.
He added that headgear must meet certain standards as prescribed by ICAO, adding that there is no use issuing a document that will not be allowed by international airlines.
“We must give you a passport that will allow you to travel,” said the Permanent Secretary.
Bagopi further explained that when taking a photo for an identity card or e-passport, the headgear should not conceal the face. He said any headgear that covers the face is not allowed even if it is for religious purposes. However, the headgear can be adjusted.
He said sunglasses are also not allowed unless they are spectacles. He noted that the spectacles must be clear and not tinted. Bagopi said even hairstyles that fringe over somebody’s face are not allowed for official documents.
In 2010 government relaxed their stringent rules on official documents, allowing religious groups such as Islam, Baherero, and others to take their official passport photos with their traditional or religious headgear on.
Bagopi says since 2010 they have moved on with the times, and introduced some headgear worn for religious purposes.
“As you interact with other nations, you adapt because we are part of the international community. The usual complaint is about taking off the hat,” he said, adding that they still receive complaints from some ethnic groups and religious bodies. He said they would allow their head gear if they meet the required international prescriptions.
According to the Ministry’s guidelines, there shall be no artificial hair extensions allowed and wigs must be removed when taking official portraits. “You must remove hats and headgear. If headgear is worn for cultural or religious purpose, a statutory affidavit must be completed for that purpose. There should be no shadows on face from traditional or religious headgear. Caps are strictly not allowed,” he stated.