Hundreds of Nigerians in the United States are struggling to renew their passports due to prolonged glitch in the National Identification Number (NIN) portal, managed by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC). This issue has persisted for nearly eight weeks, leaving many unable to complete passport applications, putting them at risk of job loss, expired visas, and potential deportation.
The Nigerian Consulate in Atlanta has acknowledged the issue, urging applicants to ensure their NIN details match their passport data exactly. However, no timeline has been provided for resolving the portal’s outrage. The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) require NIN verification for all passport renewals, a policy implemented to streamline identity management but now causing widespread frustration.
In a bid to address similar challenges, the NIS has launched a contactless renewal system for Nigerians in the diaspora. This initiative allows applicants to renew passports online from the comfort of their homes, saving time and money by avoiding unnecessary travel. The system was first introduced in Canada and has received positive feedback, with plans to extend to Europe, using the UK as the coordinating hub.
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has also stepped in to address passport renewal challenges faced by diasporans. NiDCOM will engage with the Nigeria Immigration Service to streamline the process, making it easier for Nigerians living abroad to renew their passports. They aim to provide faster processing time, clearer application guidelines, and better communication with applicants.
Stay informed about the latest developments affecting Nigerians in the diaspora!
Follow us for more updates:
facebook.com/TheNidm
www.thenidm.com
#PassportRenewal #NigeriansInDiaspora #NINPortalGlitch #DigitalIdentity #CustomerService
