The National Identification Authority (NIA) has outlined steps for the registration of foreign nationals living in the country for more than 90 days and those who are permanently resident in the country for their Non-citizen card.

The exercise is under the Foreigners Identification Management System (FIMS), in pursuance of the NIA’s mandate under the NIA Act, 2006 (Act 707), the National Identity Register Act, 2008 (Act 750) and the National Identity Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2111).

Mrs Bertha Dzeble, Head of Public Relations, NIA, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency said all eligible foreigners will first purchase a FIMS scratch card at any of the NIA certified registration centers for 120 dollars.

Mrs Dzeble explained that the applicant then fills out the forms with his or her biographic information and direct the forms to a registration officer for processing.

She added that a Data Entry Officer will enter the data on the application form onto the database of the mobile and the biometric data of the applicant like finger prints, a photograph and a signature on an electronic pad which will be captured using the Registration Workstation.

Mrs Dzeble said once that is done, the foreign national verifies and validates the data captured and a Non-citizen card will be issued instantly.

“The exercise would assist the state to know exactly who lives in Ghana and also to give a better idea about the numbers and real identities of all eligible foreign nationals living in Ghana”, She added.

Mrs Dzeble said the FIMS was not meant to abuse or discriminate or repatriate foreigners, adding that, its ultimate goal was rather for their protection and well being.

She said foreigners who stay in the country for a cumulative period over 90 days in one year without registering under the FIMS will pay a penalty of an amount for the number of days stayed in the country illegally.

“Non-compliance may result in deportation as specified under the Ghana Immigration service regulations”, she added.

The NIA was set up in 2003 under the Office of the President with the mandate to issue national ID cards and manage the National Identification System with its mission of adopting a cutting-edge technology to provide client-based identification services for socio-economic development, good governance, safety and security for all citizens and legal residents.