NFC Apple Wallet pass approval for access control

I am developing an access control solution that uses Apple Wallet passes with NFC for physical entry. The iOS implementation is complete, including pass generation, signing, and NFC configuration using PassKit.

Last year (July), I submitted a request to Apple for NFC / Enhanced Passbook access in order to issue NFC-enabled Wallet passes, but I have not received any response since then.

Could someone clarify what the current recommended process is for obtaining approval to use NFC-enabled Apple Wallet passes for access control use cases? Are there specific prerequisites, partner programs, or regional limitations that affect approval? If a request remains unanswered for an extended period, is there an official follow-up or escalation path?

Any guidance on how developers are expected to proceed in this situation would be appreciated.