UK Mission Now Processes Passports On The Same Day

Nigeria’s high commission in the UK has set new standards when it comes to the processing of international passports by introducing a new regime under which all applicants who come for biometric data capture get their documents processed that same day.

In a revolutionary new development, the immigration department of the high commission ensures it processes all passport applications that same day before the staff leaves. What this means is that everyone who comes in for biometric data capture is guaranteed that their passport will be processed that same day and sent out to them with the final post.

Ambassador Bukar Alkali Abdulsalam, the head of the immigration department at the high commission, said: “We now have a very efficient system in place whereby all biometric data capturings are processed that same day. These passports are then sent out by post that same
evening, so everyone who comes in for data capturing is guaranteed to get their passport within 48 hours.

“Most Nigerians are pleased with this structure but we still have a problem with those who only come to process their passports when they want to travel. Such people want to have their biometric data captured early but this is not always possible because there is always queue and they have to take their turn in line like everybody else. However, these challenges
will be over as soon as contactless capturing begins.

Bashir Aminu, the immigration attache added: “We always have a queue of about 40,000 passport applications, so would please appeal to everyone to kindly submit their renewal form
at least six months before expiry. With the new 10 year passport, you can actually renew your passport a year before it expires.”

Rose Graham, Canuk’s publicity secretary, said: “As an organisation, Canuk needs to help spread the news of this positive development to highlight the fact that we have made tremendous progress in this area. We also need to educate our members and let them know that the high commission staff cannot conjure passports out of thin air, so people need to submit their applications early.

“People need to stop only remembering to renew their passports when they want to travel. If everyone applied for passport renewal at least six months before expiry, some 90% of our problems would be resolved, so we need to get that message across.”

Ayo Akinfe the chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (Canuk) added that the feedback from the community was good as people were receiving their passports
within a week of having their biometric data captured. However, there still remains problems with people who feel the wait for biometric appointments is too long and those who have other issues like change of name or whose names do not match those on say their British
passports.

Ambassador Abdulsalam also pointed out that when the UK authorities want to renew British passports for dual citizens, they check to see if your Nigerian passport is still valid and also insist that the names on both passports must match. He thus urged all Nigerians with dual citizenship to ensure that the names on both their passports are identical and also make sure
they keep both passports updated simultaneously.

For more information contact:
Rose Graham
Publicity Secretary
Canuk
Info@canukonline.com

Mohammed Yiosese
Assistant publicity secretary
Canuk
info@canukonline.com