The federal government said Thursday it will process a passport application for a Canadian man stranded in Kenya when they receive it.

Abdihakim Mohammed, an autistic 25-year-old Somalian-Canadian, has been in Kenya for three years, accused by Canadian diplomatic officials of being an imposter.

Mohammed's mother, Anab Issa, took him to Somalia five years ago because doctors believed being around extended family could help him.

After leaving Mohammed in Somalia with his grandmother, his mother returned to Canada. However, when she tried to bring him back to Canada three years ago, she was told the person travelling with her was not her son because he didn't look like his passport photo.

Issa has offered to take a DNA test to verify that Mohammed is her son.

Natalie Sarafian, the press secretary for Foreign Affairs Minister Lawrence Cannon, said in an email statement that government officials "continue to work closely with Mr. Mohamed and his family on this issue.

"Passport Canada stands ready to process an application as soon as it is received," Sarafin said. "Once an application is submitted the government of Canada will proceed with issuing a travel document."

Issa said she can file a passport application right away, if that is all that is required.

However, Issa said she has been told that an affidavit would be required from the family to prove Mohammed's identity. Obtaining an affidavit would require more time, she said.