Nigerians in UK Reject Suspension of E-Passport Biometric Capturing
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Nigerians in UK Reject Suspension of E-Passport Biometric Capturing
By Kaosara Olayemi Oladimeji
How to apply for the E-Passport
The suspension of biometrics capture for the new upgraded e-passport by the Nigerian High Commission in London has been condemned by a group of Nigerians in Diaspora (ND).
The enhanced e-passport operations were launched in London on 23rd November 2021 but the Nigeria High Commission in London had on Sunday suspended biometric capturing for persons interested in applying for the e-passport.
This was said in a statement released by the commission, which stated that biometrics collection had been halted following a meeting to discuss issues surrounding the assault of staff employees.
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The upgraded e-passport was supposed to eliminate forgery difficulties and streamline the application process, but the commission announced on Sunday that it will be suspended starting March 28.
While reacting to the development, the group said it was a wrong signal to many Nigerians particularly those that have had to travel long distances from Scotland, Northern Ireland, Manchester, Cardiff, Birmingham, and so on to the Mission in London without positive resolution of their respective consular issues.
The statement signed by one Mrs Ada Liwett, on behalf of the group and released to newsmen Monday in Abuja, recalled the deplorable situation of passport issuance and renewals after the lockdown and the then suspension of operations between December 2019 and April 2021 in a supposed attempt to address the issues responsible for the then anomalous situation.
The group claimed that the compulsory 120 pounds fast track system for passports was the only one working at the Mission.
According to the diaspora group, the continuous physical and verbal assaults of the staff of the Mission arising from the frustration many faces however led to a meeting of the Nigerian Community convened to find a solution to the challenges associated with passport issuance before it deteriorates into avoidable calamities.
“The meeting took place on Tuesday, 22nd March 2022, at the Conference room of the Nigeria High Commission, London.
“Apparently optimistic that the said meeting would yield positive results in finding a lasting solution to the yearnings of Nigerians in the UK, the shock news broke last night that the biometrics capture on the new Enhanced E-Passport at the Nigeria High Commission in London was suspended with effect from Monday, 28th March 2022,” the group lamented.
The group called on the Nigerian government to step in and resolve the situation before it deteriorated.
https://portal.immigration.gov.ng/passport/epassport
