A clergyman from the U.S., Bishop Kenneth Obi, finds himself stuck in Nigeria as he expresses frustration over an American carrier, Delta Airlines, denying him permission to boarded his return flight to the United States.
Obi came to Nigeria on February 18 for a church celebration and took part in an event in Edo State from February 19 to 21. Afterward, he traveled to Imo State for another engagement from March 5 to 9.
On March 12, as he prepared to depart from Imo State, the clergyman mentioned that his green card could not be found during his preparations.
Obi who spoke to PUNCH Metro on Saturday however said the e-copy of the green card and other travel documents he presented on getting to the airport were rejected.
He stated, “I traveled to Nigeria from the United States, where I’ve resided for more than four decades, arriving here on February 18th for our church’s anniversary celebration. The initial event took place in Edo between February 19th and 21st. Following this, I moved on to Imo State for another part of the celebrations running from March 5th through March 9th. After concluding these events, I made plans to depart as I possessed a return ticket; having flown out from Atlanta on February 17th, I returned again on March 19th.”
On March 12, as I prepared to depart from Imo State, I realized my green card was missing. Consequently, I filed a police report and obtained an affidavit. The police then provided a digital copy of my green card. Afterward, I traveled to Lagos for my flight, which was scheduled on March 19. However, the flight ended up being canceled. In response, I contacted one of the airline’s managers and shared my circumstances; subsequently, they directed me to the embassy.
As he reported, the embassy staff verified the authenticity of his paperwork and mentioned that the carrier ought to permit him to travel.
Nevertheless, he mentioned that the airline staff declined, emphasizing that he required official travel papers from the embassy prior to his departure.
“So, I returned to the embassy where they informed me that if the airline refused to board me, I would have to start obtaining travel documents. However, they didn’t mention how long this procedure might take,” he explained.
Frustrated with the holdup, Obi mentioned that his extended time in Nigeria was leading to significant financial and emotional strain for him.
He similarly urged the relevant authorities to step in regarding his predicament.
I’ve resided in the United States for over four decades and have held a green card for more than 38 years. Currently, I’m feeling quite perplexed, and I trust that the relevant agencies will address this matter at their earliest convenience.
“I possess all the necessary documents, yet I lack the actual green card. This situation is extremely frustrating as my ongoing presence here could cause significant difficulties for both me and my family who reside in the United States,” he said additionally.
In response, Delta Airlines issued a statement through its management on Sunday that was reviewed by our correspondent. The airline clarified that photocopied versions of original travel documents would not be accepted for international journeys.
It was further stated that the traveler was instructed to go to the U.S. Embassy to acquire the required travel documents following routine protocol.
Delta wishes to provide clarification concerning a recent query from a passenger. This person submitted a copy of their U.S. Green Card when checking in, mentioning that they had misplaced the original document in Nigeria. According to global aviation rules, carriers can only recognize original travel papers, including passports and residency permits. Copies do not meet the requirements for international journeys.
Following established protocols, we recommended that the passenger go to the U.S. Embassy to acquire the essential travel documents. After he came back, he told us that the embassy needed extra time to review his application. Consequently, he asked the airline to forward an electronic copy of his paperwork to the U.S. officials for their validation.
Our team stressed again that he had two feasible choices: either wait at the current location for the embassy’s reply or go back to the embassy to stress how urgent his travel circumstances were. Since the embassy is the entity responsible for issuance, they alone have the capability to issue the required transit letter or new documentation.
Nevertheless, the airline guaranteed the passenger that his ticket would stay valid until he secured the necessary travel documentation.
“According to worldwide airline policies, international carriers do not allow photocopies of travel documents or passports for check-in procedures. Delta continues to adhere strictly to these international travel rules while also providing top-notch assistance to our travelers. We advise all passengers to confirm their document needs prior to reaching the airport so as to prevent any potential issues,” the statement concluded.
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