The federal government says it is engaging relevant authorities in the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to resolve recent visa policy changes affecting Nigerian citizens.
On July 8, the US recently implemented a new visa policy for Nigerians limiting the validity of most non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas, such as tourist, business, and student visas, to just three months.
Additionally, the visas are now single-entry, meaning holders must reapply for a new visa for every trip to the US.
A statement on Monday by Bayo Onanuga, special adviser on information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, said the government is working to ensure that the concerns raised are addressed through appropriate and constructive channels.
“The United States Government has officially communicated that its decision was based on two principal factors: the current rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals and the need for reliable access to their records,” the statement reads.
“It further explained that the visa policy adjustment is part of its global visa reciprocity process, which is routinely reviewed and subject to change, including the number of permitted entries and validity durations.”
Tinubu also directed all federal agencies to ensure compliance with Nigeria’s international obligations and to strengthen cooperation with foreign governments on identity verification and record-sharing.
“In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all federal agencies to ensure full compliance with Nigeria’s international obligations and to strengthen inter-governmental cooperation in authenticating the identities of individuals seeking consular services abroad,” the statement reads.
“The President calls on all Nigerians to respect the immigration regulations of their host countries and to uphold the integrity of the permits and privileges granted to them under the laws of those jurisdictions.”
The statement added that federal government had not received any official notification from the UAE regarding reports of new restrictions affecting Nigerian travellers.
However, the president noted that visa processing for Nigerians appears to be “progressing in a gradual and orderly manner”.
“Regarding the new conditions for issuing UAE transit visas to Nigerian nationals, the Federal Government notes that it has not received any formal communication from the UAE authorities regarding a revised visa policy,” the statement added.
“The President appreciates the continued cooperation of the Government of the United Arab Emirates, which has remained constructive and engaged with Nigerian authorities.
“Any genuine concerns raised are being addressed through the appropriate channels, in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration.
“The President assures all Nigerians that his administration will continue to pursue the best possible outcomes for citizens abroad, ensuring that Nigerians can travel, work, and live with dignity and respect in any part of the world, in line with the Tinubu administration’s 4-D Foreign Policy agenda and its Diaspora plank.”
The federal government also reiterated its commitment to deepening bilateral ties with the US and UAE.
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