Biometric Passports: Cameroonians Salute New Procedure
Cameroonians have saluted the new procedure for the production of biometric passports which began this July 1 2021, at the National Centre for the Production of Passports, situated in the new administrative centre in Etoudi, Yaounde.
While some remain skeptical about the new procedure, most persons who went through procedure this morning said it is impeccable, stress-free, wonderful, faster, quicker and void of bottlenecks.
A good number of them are now waiting to have their passports delivered to them in the next 48 hours as announced by the Secretary General of the General Delegation for National Security on June 8, during a press conference in Yaounde.
Impeccable
Mme Ruth Ayuk is resident in Bafoussam. To have a first hand experience of the new procedure, she travelled to Yaounde to obtain the biometric passport. She describes the new procedure as “impeccable “
“I did my pre-enrollment yesterday in Bafoussam, and I had no difficulties. It was so smooth and swift. It didn’t take up to 10 minutes. Today I’m in here, and the way I was welcomed is so encouraging. I appreciate the officers a lot. I pray that it should continue this way in our nation. This procedure is very reassuring and stress-free. I want to assure you that there will not be any corruption”.
“Faster and Quicker”
After failed attempts at getting a passport, Hilary Ntobu Yeto, travelled from Douala to Yaounde to do the biometric passport. After going through the process, he says it is “faster and quicker”.
“I registered on Wednesday 30th June, and I was led to come here. I came here in the morning and I was warmly welcomed, after which I was told to present my documents. Then I had a snapshot. In about 5 minutes I was done, and issued a receipt. I think this process is faster and quicker. I’m waiting for a message to tell me my passport is ready”.
“Wonderful”
Ibrahim Nyoya who has had difficulties with getting the previous passport says the new procedure is “wonderful”.
“I did my pre-enrollment for the biometric passport on June 28 and I was given an appointment for today. When I came, I was received at the reception, and handed originals and photocopies of my documents. I was then called into the booth where I was asked a few questions. Then I was asked to sign two times, after which I was told everything is ok. I have been asked to come in two days for my passport. It is very wonderful “.
Officials of the General Delegation for National Security (GDNS) affirm that the first passports will be delivered to the owners in 48 hours.
The new procedure for the production of biometric passports will be officially launched on July 2.
Kathy Neba Sina