Consular applications, payment, case tracking, requests to the authorities, returning home, support for compatriots in difficulty: in Liège, the honorary consulate of Benin brings all its services together, for the first time, on a single website and a single app. Which raises a question: with this post, does Benin have Africa's most complete online consulate?
The initiative is led by the Honorary Consul, Dr Benoît AKANDO, and the consulate team. It builds on the modernisation of the consular administration of recent months, with a simple idea: whatever their situation, a Beninese national in Belgium should always find an open door at their consulate.
Africa is already digitising its consulates
Benin is not alone on this path, and it should be said. Several African countries have already put some of their consular services online:
- Rwanda, through the Irembo platform, lets its diaspora apply for passports, ID cards or legalisations without travelling home;
- Nigeria has opened passport renewal without an embassy visit to its nationals abroad;
- Kenya routes all passport applications, including from abroad, through its eCitizen portal;
- Morocco offers online passport application, payment and tracking for its consulates.
These platforms mainly digitise documents. What sets the Liège approach apart is the ambition to bring together in one place everything a compatriot can expect from their consulate: their applications, of course, but also their voice with the authorities, their return project and support in difficult times.
The whole consulate in one place
| Service | What users can do online |
|---|---|
| Consular applications | Submit a file, upload documents, receive a unique reference |
| Tracking | See every stage of processing and get an e-mail alert |
| Payment | Pay fees securely online or by bank transfer |
| Appointments | Book an appointment when a visit to the counter is required |
| Requests to the authorities | Address a request to an MP, a minister or an institution, forwarded by the consulate |
| Return home | Submit a return file, taken all the way to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs |
| Support | Ask for help in times of difficulty, even without an account |
| Mobile app | Access one's space and files on one's phone |
Applications, from submission to tracking
From their personal space, users choose their procedure among the consular services (consular card, passport, civil status, legalisations…), check the required documents and send them online. They then follow their file step by step, exchange messages with the officer handling it and pay fees without travelling. Some procedures still require a visit to the consulate, for example to take fingerprints: the appointment is then booked online, and users know in advance which originals to bring.
A voice with the authorities of Benin
From the page on the institutions of Benin, any compatriot can address a request to an MP, a minister or the head of an institution. The consulate reviews it against a charter, then forwards it through the official channel, with complete neutrality. Users follow progress in their space and receive any reply forwarded.
Returning home to serve the country
Many members of the Beninese diaspora have gained valuable skills in Europe, but find themselves alone when it comes to returning. The return home desk lets them submit a single file (background, project, needs, CV). The consulate reviews it, then forwards it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which directs it to the relevant administrations and bodies.
No one is left alone
Removal decision, refusal of residence, detention, social distress: whatever their situation, a compatriot can turn to their consulate. With the “You are not alone” service, they describe their situation, with or without an account, and an officer gets back to them. The consulate does not have a solution for everything, but it listens, confidentially and with complete neutrality, and directs people to the lawyers, associations and institutions able to help.
The consulate is the first door a Beninese national abroad should be able to knock on, whatever their situation. Digital tools let us keep it open at all hours.
So, the most complete in Africa?
Hard to say without comparing every post on the continent. One thing is certain: few consulates bring together, on a single website and a single app, applications, tracking, payment, citizens' voice, return home and support for people in difficulty. In Liège, Benin is paving the way for a consulate designed as a one-stop shop for its diaspora.
Frequently asked questions
Are all procedures handled online?
Most procedures start and are tracked online. Some still require a visit to the consulate, for example to take fingerprints: the appointment is then booked from the website.
Do I need an account?
A free account is needed to submit and follow an application, a request or a return file. A request for support can be made without an account.
Is the service only for Liège residents?
The honorary consulate of Benin in Liège serves Beninese nationals within its jurisdiction, in Wallonia. The website is available in French, Dutch and English.
Is there a mobile app?
Yes. The mobile app mirrors the personal space: same account, same files.
Getting started
- Create your account with your e-mail address.
- Choose your procedure, your request or your return file.
- Follow every step from your space or your phone.
Any questions? Visit the help centre or write to the consulate.
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