Client story
Client's Story
Where they started
Our client—an elderly individual—wanted a second passport, but was deterred by one common barrier: complex medical examinations, which some programs require. For an elderly person, medical screenings and certificates represent both burden and anxiety: what if something "does not pass" and everything falls through?
Why the standard route did not work
It is important to distinguish between these elements. Rigorous due diligence screening—checking for absence of criminal records, sanctions, legality of funds—is an integral part of any legitimate program and remains in place; no one is exempt from it, and this is correct. However, burdensome medical examinations are a separate barrier that does not exist in every program.
What BRIDGES had to solve
The Sierra Leone program (GO-FOR-GOLD) is accessible in this respect: it does not require complex medical examinations, is processed relatively quickly and remotely. That is, for our elderly client, the barrier that frightened him—burdensome medical examinations—has been removed, while maintaining standard due diligence screening. We honestly explained this distinction so the client had correct expectations: medical requirements are simplified, not the screening itself.
Why a standard answer would not do
At BRIDGES, the client came seeking accessibility: to obtain a Sierra Leone passport without burdensome medical examinations, smoothly and remotely, understanding that standard due diligence screening remains in place.
At my age, those medical examinations in other programs frightened me—screenings, certificates, and what if something does not pass? Igor explained the difference: serious screening for criminal records and legality of funds exists everywhere and remains; this is normal. But the Sierra Leone program does not require complex medical examinations. We processed everything smoothly, remotely, without all those medical barriers. He was honest that due diligence screening is not waived by this. It was specifically the medical component that was a problem for me—and they removed it.
