On June 25, 2026, the Consulate General of Cameroon in Jeddah, headed by Oumarou Nchare, issued a statement that overhauls the document authentication procedures. The move is part of a broader push to tighten tax compliance among Cameroonian nationals abroad.
From now on, every authentication request must be accompanied by a valid tax compliance certificate issued by Cameroon's General Directorate of Taxes. In addition, the applicant must provide their Unique Identification Number (NIU), a personal identifier now appearing on all administrative records.
The Cameroonian government says the new requirements aim to combat tax evasion and secure financial flows from the diaspora. By demanding proof of tax compliance, authorities hope to ensure public services remain funded by contributions from citizens, even when they reside abroad.
For Cameroonians living in Jeddah, the process involves two concrete steps. First, they must visit the Ministry of Finance’s online portal to request a tax compliance certificate, which remains valid as long as no debt is recorded. Second, the NIU—already assigned to every taxpayer—must be entered on the authentication request form. The consulate reminded applicants that this information is accessible via the official taxpayer registry portal.
The immediate impact is felt on marriage, diploma or birth‑certificate files that require consular validation. Processing times may lengthen if the tax documents are not submitted promptly. Users are therefore urged to anticipate their needs, verify the validity of their certificate, and ensure their NIU is up‑to‑date before filing a request.
Beyond the administrative angle, the measure could boost trust between the diaspora and the Cameroonian state. By showing that each citizen contributes to the national treasury, the consulate creates conditions for closer cooperation, paving the way for future streamlined digital services and better recognition of rights abroad.
The consulate closed its statement with a call for civic responsibility and adherence to the new rules. It urges Cameroonians in Jeddah to mobilize, comply swiftly with the requirements, and make use of the online tools provided. Though burdensome, the adjustment marks a step toward a diaspora more integrated into the country’s fiscal mechanisms and sets the stage for even more ambitious reforms.
