COVID-19: Nigeria To Withhold Passports Of Returnees

The Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 has issued a REVISED QUARANTINE PROTOCOL for persons arriving Nigeria from Abroad (including returnees/stranded Nigerians).

The revised protocol contained in a circular to all diplomatic, consular and international organisations accredited to Nigeria on the COVID-19 protocols to be observed by passengers arriving Nigeria includes depositing their passports with the Nigeria Immigration Service for two weeks, pending the verification of their COVID-19 status.

According to the revised quarantine protocol which comes into immediate effect, the arrivals are expected 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.

The protocol further states;

โ€œIf 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.

โ€œPassengers will be cleared through the Nigeria Immigration Service Systemโ€™s Migrant Identification and Data Analysis System and their passports retained until after successful completion of 14 days self-quarantine, except diplomatic passport holders.โ€

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 protocol, alternative arrangements could be made to collect passports via special delivery.

The protocol 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 had been collected and had tested negative for COVID-19, adding, โ€œsuch persons must also make their full contact details available.โ€

All persons, whether citizens or foreigners, are to comply with this protocol.

Other features of the PTFโ€™s revised protocol are: โ€œPassengers arriving/returning to Nigeria must have tested negative for COVID-19 (pre-boarding PCR test in country of departure). PCR test must be within two weeks before departure and preferably not less than five days pre-boarding.

โ€œTests done more than two weeks before departure are not valid and persons will not be allowed to board; but for the five days minimum, this advisory will not preclude boarding.

โ€œOn board, passengers are required to fill in the health declaration/self-reporting form and the sample collection time allocation form.

โ€œPassengers should ensure that the information/contact details provided on the form are correct, verifiable and they can be reached on the phone number and address provided.

โ€œThey will be given an appointment time and date to present themselves at the Sample Collection Centre located in Lagos or Abuja for a repeat COVID-19 PCR test within 72 hours of arrival.

โ€œPassengers must provide their full and correct address and phone number before exiting the airport. They must comply with self-isolation/quarantine guidelines and ensure that they can be reached/can be located during the period.

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