Sourcing dual-citizenship documentation: A guide for diaspora families returning in summer

The summer vacation season is in full swing, and for thousands of Nigerian expatriates and their families, the time involves making travel arrangements, packing suitcases and anticipating much-awaited reunions with loved ones at home.

Being an international parent with children can present special challenges, though, when traveling, especially when it comes to current documents. When done ahead of time, these papers will make the family vacation stress free and without any delays at Immigration checkpoints.

In this article, Tribune Online examines the essential steps, required documents, and strategic timelines diaspora families need to navigate when sourcing dual-citizenship documentation for a seamless summer return.

According to advisory data from Immigrant Invest, a leading firm specialising in citizenship and residency solutions, Nigeria fully recognises dual citizenship for citizens by birth, allowing individuals to hold both a Nigerian passport and a foreign passport concurrently. 

For diaspora parents, this means children born abroad are legally entitled to Nigerian citizenship by descent. 

However, proving this status at the port of entry requires a specific set of verified documents that must be arranged before you arrive at the airport.

Securing the National Identification Number (NIN)

The initial process in civic documentation in Nigeria is a process of registration with the National Identification Management Commission (NIMC) for a National Identification Number (NIN). It will be impossible to obtain or update a Nigerian passport without the NIN and the name information from the NIN should be identical with that from the foreign birth certificate. 

To register a minor, diaspora families should seek an accredited licensed diaspora enrollment partner in their country of residence who will need to be supplied with the child’s foreign long form birth certificate and parent’s Nigerian passport data page.

ALSO READ: Why learning basic first aid is important

Gathering parental consent and legal proofs

Immigration officials are vigilant in checking parental consent for minors who travel on dual nationality. The letter of consent must be drafted in a formal letter and signed by both parents and must be stamped by a Notary Public or Solicitor in your host country. 

In addition to this letter, a clear copy of the data pages in colour of both parents’ valid Nigerian passports as evidence of citizenship by descent is required.

Navigating online passport application

After successful synchronisation of the NIN and baseline proofs, the standard e-passport itself will be processed online through the official Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) e-passport processing website. 

The suitable diaspora mission or embassy closest to you will need to be selected and the form filled out, and payment will be made online, which will generate an official acknowledgment slip and payment receipt. 

This process should be done at least 8-12 weeks in advance of any departure date as the summer demand means that biometric capture appointment books are filled up fast, particularly at high commissions.

Attending the biometric appointment and collection

The last step is the physical presence of the applicant, including minors, at the appropriate Embassy, High Commission or Consulate in Nigeria for enrollment of the biometric data. 

The application form, payment confirmation slips, the authenticated parental consent letter, original birth certificates and a self-addressed, secured envelope with payment should be brought.

Once the enrollment is final, families can check online to see how much of the booklet has been produced, and then the booklet is safely sent back to your home address before you travel.