NIS Issues Fresh Warning Over Fake Passport and Visa Websites

(NIS. Photo by Vanguard News)

The public has been cautioned by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) against con artists and phony websites that pose as its official platforms.

In addition to urging applicants to utilize only authorized websites for all immigration-related services, the warning was posted on its official social media platforms on Thursday in Abuja.

The Nigeria Immigration Service has warned members of the public against patronising fraudulent websites purporting to offer passport, visa and other immigration services.

The service said the warning had become necessary to protect Nigerians and foreign nationals from fr@udulent websites designed to exploit unsuspecting applicants seeking such services.

According to the NIS, the official landing page for passport applications is its designated passport portal, while separate official platforms exist for visa applications at Nigerian embassies, electronic visa applications, Temporary Work Permit and the Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card.

The service urged members of the public to remain vigilant and avoid patronising unauthorised websites or individuals claiming to represent it or facilitate its services.

It reiterated that applicants should only access immigration services through its official online platforms to avoid falling victim to scammers and compromising their personal information.

The NIS further disclosed that its mobile application for contactless passport application was available for download on Apple iOS and the Google Play Store, saying this provided applicants with a secure and convenient alternative for passport processing.

The service reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of its digital platforms and ensuring seamless service delivery to the public.

It advised applicants to verify the authenticity of websites before making payments or submitting personal details, stressing that only information disseminated through its official channels should be relied upon.

The NIS urged the public to exercise caution at all times and to promptly report suspicious websites or fr@udulent activities relating to its services to the appropriate authorities.