Dual Nationality policy begins April

The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) would begin the implementation of the law on dual nationality, indefinite stay and right of abode early next month. The Director of Immigration, Nana Owusu- Nsiah who stated this, said application forms in this regard will be ready by next week.

He was speaking at a meeting with officers and men of the service at Cape Coast as part of his nationwide tour. Nana Owusu-Nsiah, however, stated categorically that the conferment of these rights would not be automatic for the applicants. He said most importantly, holders of foreign passports who would wish to apply are required to be in possession of a valid residence permit at the time of application. This, he said, is to ensure that the right people are accorded the opportunity to enjoy the new legislation.

He said the office to handle the programme has been established and special seminars are being planned for personnel to update their knowledge about the processes involved while the service is taking steps to educate the public on the provisions of the law.

On discipline among personnel, he said, his administration would not tolerate any acts of indiscipline that would bring the image of the service into disrepute and advised them to comport themselves. He asked them to step up their vigilance and ensure that foreigners comply with immigration laws and at the same time ensure that their efforts do not derail government's drive to attract tourists and investors.

Nana Owusu-Nsiah also expressed concern about the delays and frustrations in the processing of passports adding that, "one of the identified causes has been the use of the 'back door' rather than through the GIS by some government agencies in processing their forms." He gave the assurance that his administration would soon come out with policies on transfers, study leave and resignation and issues concerning the conditions of service of personnel.

He said efforts are also being made to solve the transportation, accommodation and the human resource personnel problem facing the service. In his address, the Regional Commander of the GIS, Mr Devasse Mate-Kole said out of the 12 districts in the region, the service is operating in only four. He said last year, the service was able to collect more than ?347 million in revenue and has collected over ?71 million from January to date, this year.