President of Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation -Qatar (NIDO-Qatar) Victor Ikoli.
The Embassy of Nigeria in Qatar has announced the re-introduction of registration for Nigerians living in Qatar, in order to provide adequate services to them.
The Embassy said in a statement, signed by the Head Consular for Charge d’Affaires MM Abubakar, that it would not attend to Nigerians who do not register their data with effect from October 11.
“In a determined bid by the Federal Government of Nigeria, to provide assistance and service delivery to Nigerians, the Embassy is hereby re-introducing the registration of Nigerians, as is the practice the world over,” the statement read.
“A bio-data form will be distributed to all concerned. The form is expected to be filled and returned to the Embassy. Forms would also be made available at the Embassy for those who wish to do so.
“Forms are free, and no one would be attended to at the Embassy without completing the form. This means that with effect from October 11, 2020, the form is a vital requirement for all services requested from the Embassy,” the statement added.
The registration is necessary for the over 10,000 Nigerians in Doha, especially for passport renewals and issuance and keeping track of residents in the country.
Speaking to The Peninsula about the Embassy’s efforts, the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation – Qatar (NIDO – Qatar) president, Victor Ikoli urged Nigerians to take advantage of the process.
“Telling your home county where you are may not be the first thing you think about when you settle abroad. However, expatriates from many countries are often advised to register with the Embassy or consulate. Although this procedure is generally voluntary, since the Embassy has made it almost compulsory, I urge all Nigerians to register, especially when knowing you will need services from the Embassy,” Ikoli said.
“Registering with the Embassy may give you access to several services such as renewal of passports, emergency assistance, character certificate for employment or immigration purposes, travel alerts, and warnings. It will also help the government to obtain accurate data from Nigerians in the Diaspora,” he added.
