The National Union of Nigerians Associations in Italy (NUNAI), have appealed to Federal Government to make available more passports booklets to Nigeria Embassy in Italy.
The group make the appeal in an open letter to the Minister of Interior, Alhaji Rauf Aregbesola and that of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, which was made available to newsmen in Benin on Wednesday.
The letter was signed by President of the union, Mr Rowland Ndukuba, Welfare Officer, Mike Oputteh and the spokesman, Bruce Idahosa.
The union stated that the appeal became imperative as a result of the fact that many Nigerians living in that country have been denied access to jobs.
It stated that the currently monthly provision of leas than 2000 passport booklets was grossly inadequate.
While describing the situation as unfortunate, it noted that many applicants that were scanned since May are yet to get their printed passports till date.
“Over the years, the Nigerians living in Italy have been totally grateful towards the immeasurable assistance that the offices of the controller General of the Nigerian Immigration, Minister of Interior, and that of Foreign Affairs have rendered in making their living conditions worthy of commendations.
“However, for humanity sake, NUNAI, with all humility appeal to them to save thousands of Nigerians living in Italy that have applied for passports to enable them process or retain their businesses.
“They also need this for their working contract, Permits of Stay, Residence and other necessary documents in Italy.
“We appeal to the federal government to make available the regular passport booklets to the Nigerian High Commission in Rome, Italy to save Nigerians in Italy.
“This appeal is imperative as a result of the fact that many Nigerians are denied access to jobs due to the fact that they can not provide valid passports and are thereby subjected to countless hardships,” it stated.
The union noted that it have been duly informed that the Nigerian High Commission in Rome is doing all in its power to clear the backlog of seven months.
“It’s unfortunate that Nigerians scanned since May 2021 till date are yet to to be issued their printed passport.
“The Nigerian High Commission in Rome capture over 3000 Nigerians in a month for passport issuance.
“We were duely informed that the mission only recieves passport booklets of between 500 to 1500 passport booklets monthly, which is therefore the reason behind the backlog.”