The Federal Government has expressed concern over the recent decision by the United States to impose tighter visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, describing the move as disproportionate, calling for “reconsideration in the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation. This came just as the United Arab Emirates imposed tougher entry conditions for Nigerian travellers, banning transit visa applications entirely.
According to new directives from Dubai immigration, Nigerians aged 18 to 45 will no longer be eligible for tourist visas unless accompanied, while those aged 45 and above must provide a six-month personal bank statement showing at least $10,000 monthly balance before they are granted visas.
Recall on Wednesday, we reported that the British High Commission in Abuja also announced a change to the United Kingdom’s immigration process for Nigerians applying for study and work visas, a move which stated non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians will now be valid for only three months and limited to a single entry.
However, in a meeting led by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, with the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., on Wednesday, the FG moved to resolve the issue. The meeting had in attendance the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani; Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nanna Nandap, which aims to strengthen ties between Nigeria and the US through a well-structured visa framework.
