FG to retain passport of travellers
The Federal Government says all persons – whether citizens or foreigners – coming into the country will be required to leave their passports with the Nigeria Immigration Service for two weeks pending the verification of their COVID – 19 status.
The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs said this in a circular addressed to all diplomatic , consular and international organisations accredited to Nigeria .
In the circular dated June 10, 2020, with reference number BW /20/CIR . LET/III /2020, the government said the only category of persons that would be exempted from this new rule are those who possess a diplomatic passport.
It read in part, “ Persons who have arrived in Nigeria are advised to self – isolate for 14 days and to remain in the city /state where the point of entry is located ( i . e Lagos or Abuja ) throughout the duration of self -quarantine.
“ If not resident in Lagos , passengers shall make arrangements for accommodation at their own cost . Please note that the Federal Government will not be responsible for providing accommodation or transportation to the place of abode.
“ Passengers will be cleared through the Nigeria Immigration Service System ’ s Migrant Identification and Data Analysis System and their passports retained until after successful completion of 14 days self -quarantine except diplomatic passport holders . ”
It said after all the COVID – 19 protocols had been followed , instructions would be given to the NIS to release the passports to their owners .
According to the circular , alternative arrangements could be made to collect passports via special delivery.
The government said persons who are unable to remain in Lagos or Abuja throughout the period of self -quarantine may return to their states of residence only after their samples have been collected and have tested negative for COVID -19.
Such persons must also make their full contact details available.
