Visa Restriction Policies: FG Reacts To US, UAR, Others

The Nigerian Government has started its reaction to the visa restriction policies of the United States of America (USA) and that of the United Arab Emirates (UAR).

The Eagle had yesterday, carried a story of the Washington government moderating its visa issuance rules as it affects citizens of Nigeria, in a manner considered unfavourable to Nigerians interested in travelling to the US.

This was followed by a related move by the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) which outrightly banned transit visa applications for Nigerians.

By the UAE visa restriction policies, while Nigerians aged 18 to 45 will no longer be eligible for tourist visas unless accompanied, those aged 45 and above, must present a personal six-month bank statement.

Amongst others, such a statement must prove the applicant has a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 (or its naira equivalent), amongst many other conditionalities.

Reacting yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it viewed the new US policy with “concern and keen interest”.

A statement signed by the spokesperson for the Ministry Kimiebi Ebienfa, said:

“The attention of the Federal Government of Nigeria has been drawn to the recent decision by the United States Government to revise its visa reciprocity schedule for Nigerian citizens, limiting the validity of non-immigrant visas including B1/B2, F and J categories to three months with single entry.

“The Federal Government views this development with concern and keen interest, particularly given the longstanding cordial relations and strong people-to-people ties between our two countries.

“The decision appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral engagements between friendly nations,” Ebienfa said.

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Stating that the visa restriction policies of the US would have a broad impact on Nigerians, affecting students seeking education in the US, professionals involved in legitimate business, and families visiting loved ones, it added:

“While acknowledging the sovereign right of every country to determine its immigration policies, Nigeria respectfully urges the United States to reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation, and shared global responsibilities.

“Diplomatic engagements are ongoing, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness and upholds the values of mutual interest,” Ebienfa noted.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, led an FG delegation that held a meeting with the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr.,

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Announcing this via her X handle, she informed: “I held a constructive meeting with the US Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jr. today (Wednesday), to discuss the recently introduced visa procedures for Nigerian nationals.

“The discussions centred on visa reciprocity, with Ambassador Mills Jr. providing valuable insights into the revised protocol and its alignment with established practices to uphold the integrity of the visa process.

“The Ambassador described the new e-visa policy of the Nigeria Immigration Service as an innovation intended to streamline and enhance application process for foreign travellers into the country”, the minister informed.