As part of ongoing reforms to the administration of passport and immigration services, the Federal Ministry of the Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) have launched an advanced fast-track initiative that allows Nigerians with expired passports who are currently living abroad to enter the country without difficulty. From December 12, 2022, to January 31, 2023, a continuous dedicated diasporan service will be made accessible, allowing Nigerian passport holders abroad to board their residence nations and enter Nigeria using their international travel documents that have already expired.
The unique arrangement was authorized by the Federal Government, according to the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Isah Idris, in a directive dated December 9, 2022, sent to the Foreign affairs Minister, all Immigration Attaches, all Heads of Foreign Missions, all Airport Comptrollers, and all airlines. Idris continued by saying that all Nigerian airlines had been instructed to allow passengers with outdated passports to board without any restrictions, and all Nigerian diplomatic missions overseas had been instructed to convey the same instructions to the border officials and aircraft operators within host countries to ensure compliance.
All agencies have been informed to comply with the initiative.
Anthony Akuneme, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration and Public Relations Officer of the NIS, while speaking about the unique fast-track service, said specialized Diaspora Stations had been established at all foreign airports throughout the nation to guarantee that Nigerians coming back home from abroad have a trouble-free journey. The Comptroller General of Immigration, he said, has also instructed Passport Control Offices to give precedence to the returning citizens and their families because many of them have strict deadlines for returning to their home countries following a vacation in Nigeria.
According to Akuneme, Nigerians living abroad should reap the benefits of the Federal Government’s goodwill and apply for the new upgraded Nigerian e-Passport; anyone whose biometrics have already been recorded at the NIS stations at the Nigerian embassies in their various countries of residence does not need to resubmit their information. Akuneme, while reiterating that the process for applying for and receiving a Nigerian passport has been streamlined and sped up, added that new applicants for the updated e-Passports need just apply online through the NIS website (https://www.passport.immigration.gov.ng/).
NIN is an essential part of the e-passport registration procedure.
Furthermore, the National Identity Number (NIN), which is necessary among many other relevant documents, must be brought along when individuals visit the passport office of their choice, as mentioned on the application form, he continued. The registration process also includes making payments for their desired passport type through authorized payment platforms. In addition, the spokeswoman stated that applicants who wish to take advantage of the unique opportunity could do so by visiting their preferred passport office on Monday and Wednesday of every week.
Speaking on the importance of providing NIN for the issuing of the upgraded e-Passport, Akuneme stressed the need to provide one and urged applicants to double-check the accuracy of their personal data in both the application and the NIN before submitting it. As part of the multi-layered strategic modification of passport administration throughout the country, the Comptroller-General of Immigration had stated previously that the service, which will be offered for two months, also provides the returnee Nigerians with the chance to renew their passports all through their stay in the nation.
Nigerians abroad can now easily travel for the season.
Moreover, Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, who is the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), utilize the opportunity to compliment the NIS boss for introducing a specific service in such a time to fulfil the needs of Nigerians coming back from abroad. Because this has been a great challenge over the year, she said that the action would go a long way toward easing the burden of people travelling back home to enjoy the festive season.
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Immigration adopt e-Passport Fast track service – The service allows Nigerians abroad with expired passport to return home easily. – Express your point of view.
The new upgraded Nigerian e-Passport proposal is a good one on my own view. No place like home! at least Nigerians abroad now have the opportunity to return on without having any issue unlike when returning.
The e- passport fast tracking technology is a good thing to behold by the immigration. It shows they are also advancing in their use of technology to do their work. Such passport will make it easier to contact people.
This will afford all citizens outside the shores of the country with expired passport to come in and now fast track a new passport for themselves but I hope some unscrupulous elements won’t hijack it.
This is a very good initiative from the federal government and it will go a long way in curbing the stress people in the diasporal normally go through.
The service allows Nigerians abroad with expired passport to return home easily. Anything that benefit us is welcome in the country.
E-passport expedited processing technology is a marvel to behold for immigration officials. This exemplifies how far they have come in their adoption of cutting-edge technological tools for their jobs.
In order to take advantage of the Federal Government’s generosity, Nigerians currently residing outside of the country should submit an application for the newly improved Nigerian e-Passport.
This is a good innovation passport. E passport will help the those who are outside the country to return home easily nice one
The electronic passport technology that allows for expedited processing through immigration is impressive. It’s evidence that they’re becoming better at using technology in the workplace, too. Communicating with others will be simplified with such a passport.
E-passport expedited processing technology is a marvel to behold for immigration authorities. It demonstrates that they are also making strides in employing technology to achieve their goals.
Wow so If you are a Nigerian living abroad and your passport has expired, you can still enter the nation thanks to a new expedited program from the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
A permanent, specialized diaspora service would be made available, letting Nigerians living in other countries return home and enter the country with expired passports.
Since many of these visitors have tight deadlines for returning home after a vacation in Nigeria, the Comptroller General of Immigration has also urged Passport Control Offices to prioritize the needs of returning nationals and their families.
while repeating that getting a Nigerian passport is now much easier and faster, he stated that new applicants for the upgraded e-Passports should just apply online through the NIS website.
It is important for the Passport Control Offices in Nigeria to provide priority to returning residents and their families because many of these individuals are racing against the clock to get back to their home countries after spending their vacation in Nigeria.
When individuals go to the passport office of their choosing, they are required to bring along the National Identity Number (NIN), which is necessary along with a large number of other documents that are relevant. This requirement is indicated on the application form.
In my opinion, the proposal to improve the Nigerian e-Passport is a sound one. There’s no place like it when you’re at home. At least Nigerians living outside the country now have the option to return home without facing the same obstacles they did before.
Speaking on the significance of giving a NIN for the issuance of the improved e-Passport, Akuneme emphasized the requirement for one and admonished applicants to double-check the accuracy of their personal data before submitting it.
The fast tracking e-passport technology is a positive development for immigration. It demonstrates that they are also making strides in their usage of technology in their work. This passport will make it simpler to communicate with others.
This shows that the NIS and the federal government are sensitive to the needs and circumstances that might hinder most Nigerian with expired passport from coming home to renew them. More especially when it comes to the issue of the e-Passport that is being newly adopted by the Immigrations.
The e-Passport adopted by the Nigerian Immigration has necessitate the Nigerian with expired passport in diaspora to come home. Making provision with their expire passport to easily board the airplane to fast track the whole process. That is thoughtful of them. They should be commended.