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Tag: VISA

  • Nigerians cautioned against breaching US visa terms

    Nigerians cautioned against breaching US visa terms

    The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)  has cautioned Nigerians against breaching US visa terms.

    The Comptroller-General (C-G) of NCS,  Adewale Adeniyi,  gave the warning in a statement by the service Spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Adeniyi said that the warning became imperative following concerns raised by the Government of the United States of America on the need for Nigerians to desist from misusing entry visas granted them.

    This, he said, was through activities that were inconsistent with the stated purpose of travel and visa classification.

    “Nigerians are urged to note that security vetting for visa applicants does not end upon entry into the US.

    “ US authorities will continuously monitor the activities of visa holders, and visas can be revoked if holders are found to have violated US immigration protocols, import/export guidelines and other laws,” he said.

    He reiterated that Nigerians travelling to the US must declare any cash exceeding 10,000 US dollars or its equivalent at the point of exit or entry.

    According to him, this is necessary to ensure that prohibited items are not included in their baggages.

    He urged all passengers to be law-abiding citizens and to conduct themselves responsibly within and outside Nigeria.

    “Intending passengers to the US should know that whoever commits fraud in any jurisdiction will face legal consequences both under U.S. and Nigerian laws,” he warned.

    He reaffirmed that the NCS was working with the US Mission in Abuja to ensure that Nigeria complied with the conditions to avoid enlistment in to an expanded visa ban.

    “The NCS wishes to reaffirm that it is working with the U.S. Mission in Abuja to ensure that Nigeria meets the criteria to avoid enlistment into an expanded visa ban.

    “ That will deny entry to well-meaning Nigerians wishing to travel to the US for their lawful business endeavours,” he said.

  • Vietnam proposes 5-year visa exemption to attract foreign experts

    Vietnam proposes 5-year visa exemption to attract foreign experts

    Vietnam Ministry of Public Security says the country is proposing a five-year visa exemption for selected foreign nationals who significantly contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.

    This is reported by the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), a partner of TV BRICS.

    The draft policy, submitted by the Ministry would allow eligible individuals to stay in Vietnam for up to 90 days per entry, double the current maximum of 45 days, without the need for a visa.

    According to the ministry, the exemption is intended for foreign experts and professionals invited by senior leaders of the state or the government.

    It also targets chief executive officers, scientists, university professors, researchers, engineers, and highly skilled specialists in information technology.

    The proposed measure is part of Vietnam’s broader strategy to attract top international talent in strategic sectors, including semiconductors, digital technology, science, and the creative industries.

    Authorities view the policy as a way to foster innovation and accelerate national development by integrating high-level foreign expertise into key areas of the economy.

  • Police uncover N500m visa scam, apprehend 4

    Police uncover N500m visa scam, apprehend 4

    The Police Command in Lagos State has detained four suspects in connection with a large-scale visa scam involving the fraudulent collection of N500 million.

    The command spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos.

    He said that the suspects were apprehended by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).

    “The suspects, who are between the ages of 23 and 36, were apprehended by operatives of SCID.

    “The case which was initially reported at the Ago Okota Division was subsequently transferred to the SCID for further investigation,“he said.

    He said that a preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were all staff of an educational consultancy located in Ago Okota.

    The spokesperson said that they fraudulently obtained a total of N500 million from over 100 unsuspecting victims under the false promise of securing Canadian and Australian work visas for them.

    “Further investigations revealed that the syndicate includes additional accomplices, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend them and bring them to justice upon conclusion of the investigation, “he said.

    Hundeyin said that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Olohundare Jimoh, advised the public to verify the authenticity of travel and recruitment agencies before engaging in any visa-related transactions.

    The image maker assured the public that the command remains committed to pursuing justice and protecting residents from fraudsters and other criminal elements.

  • FG reacts over new U.S. visa policy limiting Nigerians

    FG reacts over new U.S. visa policy limiting Nigerians

    The Federal Government has called on the United States to reconsider its revised visa reciprocity policy, which now limits Nigerian non-immigrant visas to single-entry, three-month validity.

    The call is contained in a statement issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Spokesperson in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    The government expressed concern over the U.S. decision amidst partnership, cooperation and shared global responsibilities by both countries.

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

    “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.

    “Nigeria notes this restriction places disproportionate burden on Nigerian travellers, students seeking academic opportunities, professionals engaging in legitimate business, families visiting loved ones and individuals contributing to cultural and educational exchanges.

    “Nigeria respectfully urges the U.S. to reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership, cooperation and shared global responsibilities, while acknowledging the sovereign right of every country to determine its immigration policies,” the government said.

    The government said diplomatic engagements are ongoing and that the ministry would remain committed to pursuing a resolution that reflects fairness, and upholds the values of mutual interest.

    In a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, all U.S. non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their original status and validity.

    The U.S. government noted that visa reciprocity was a global standard that undergoes regular review and can be adjusted at any time, including changes in permitted entries and duration of validity.

  • UK introduces eVisa for study, work applicants

    UK introduces eVisa for study, work applicants

    The UK Government has announced the introduction of a digital eVisa for study and work visa applicants, effective July 15.

    Mrs Gill Lever, the British Deputy High Commissioner in Abuja, made this known in a statement on Wednesday.

    Lever said that the move was part of the UK’s transition to a modern and digital immigration system.

    According to her, the digital eVisa would replace the traditional visa vignette or sticker in passports for successful applicants.

    Lever noted that the change would make the process more secure, efficient, and convenient for students, professionals and families.

    “We are making it easier and faster for Nigerians to travel to the UK.

    “However, applicants applying as dependants or for other visa types, such as standard visitor visas, will still receive a visa sticker in their passport,” Lever said.

    She noted that applicants must still go to a visa application centre to provide their biometric information as part of the visa processing procedure.

    According to Lever, once a decision is made on their visa application, applicants will receive an email from UK Visas and Immigration with the outcome and instructions to create a UKVI account to access their eVisa.

    She added that the eVisa system had already replaced Biometric Residence Permits for individuals granted leave for over six months.

    “Customers with a UKVI account can use the view and prove service to securely share their immigration status with third parties, such as employers or landlords,” she noted.

  • Iran proposes visa-free travel for Chinese tourists

    Iran proposes visa-free travel for Chinese tourists

    Iran has called on China to cancel tourist visa requirements for Iranian citizens, following its unilateral move to lift visa restrictions for Chinese travellers.

    This development is according to Mehr News Agency, a partner of  TV BRICS.

    The request was made by Hojjatollah Ayoubi, Head of the Ministry’s International Affairs Centre, during an official meeting with Gao Zheng, China’s Vice Minister of Culture and Tourism, on the sidelines of the SCO Ministers’ Meeting on Culture and Tourism in Qingdao.

    During the talks, Ayoubi emphasised the deep-rooted cultural ties between Iran and China, describing both nations as heirs to ancient civilisations.

    He proposed a series of bilateral initiatives, including joint exhibitions, cultural exchanges, co-production of documentaries, and academic cooperation in fields like museology and traditional medicine.

    Ayoubi also stressed the importance of tourism as a bridge between people in an era of misinformation and encouraged China to take reciprocal steps to facilitate people-to-people engagement.

    Vice Minister Gao welcomed Iran’s proposals, highlighting strong public interest in Iranian culture, including an ongoing exhibition in Beijing drawing over 70,000 visitors daily and expressed readiness to expand cooperation through joint programmes and a proposed cultural coordination committee.

  • U.S. announces visa policy review for Nigeria, others

    U.S. announces visa policy review for Nigeria, others

    The United States (U.S.) government has announced the review of its reciprocal non-immigrant visa policy for Nigeria and other countries.

    This is contained in a statement, titled “Revised Visa Reciprocity for Nigeria”, issued by the U.S. Embassy and released on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The statement explained that the visa policy review would impact several countries, including Nigeria, and would take effect immediately.

    “Effective immediately, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of Nigeria will be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.

    “Those U.S. non-immigrant visas issued prior to July 8, 2025, will retain their status and validity.

    “We wish to underscore, that as is standard globally, visa reciprocity is a continuous process, and is subject to review and change at any time, such as increasing or decreasing permitted entries and duration of validity,” it said.

    It further explained that U.S. visa criteria and standards were designed to protect the integrity of U.S. immigration systems, and the standards were based on global technical and security benchmarks.

    The embassy urged prospective U.S. visa applicants to view the latest information on visa reciprocity schedules for all countries at travel.state.gov.

    It also said that the U.S. Mission was already working with the Federal Government of Nigeria to ensure that Nigeria met the standard criteria, which it enumerated below.

    The first standard criteria, the government said, is the “Secure Travel Documents”, by which individual countries are required to issue secure travel documents with verified traveler identities.

    Another standard criteria is that of  “Visa Overstay Management”, which requires the implementation of measures to limit overstays by travelers on U.S. visas.

    It also listed “Information Sharing” as one of the standard criteria, which required the sharing of relevant security and/or criminal record information to protect public safety.

    “The United States values its longstanding relationship with Nigeria, and remains committed to expanding our partnership based on mutual respect, shared security priorities, and economic opportunity, keeping both our countries safer and stronger.

    “We commend the ongoing efforts by the Government of Nigeria’s immigration and security agencies to meet standards of international best practices.

    “We continue to engage with Nigerian government officials to address the remaining challenges,” it said.

    The U.S. Government, therefore, encouraged Nigerian travelers to respect and adhere to the terms of their visas, and ensure travel documents are authentic, accurate, and up to date.

    It assured that United States would remain a committed partner in deepening people-to-people ties with Nigeria via business, educational, and cultural exchanges.

    “We look forward to continued cooperation at all levels with the Nigerian public and government officials to ensure safe and lawful travel between the United States and all countries,” the statement added.

  • FG launches visa amnesty for foreigners

    FG launches visa amnesty for foreigners

    The Federal Government has introduced an Expired Visa Initiative (Amnesty) to boost compliance with the new visa regime and support a secure migration system.

    This is contained in a statement on Saturday by Akinsola Akinlabi, Public Relations Officer of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS).

    Akinlabi explained that the initiative offers foreigners with expired immigration status in Nigeria a chance to regularise their stay without incurring penalties.

    The initiative, which began on 1 May, will end on 30 September. It targets those who overstayed visas or violated visa conditions.

    It applies to foreigners with expired Visa on Arrival (VoA), as well as holders of expired Single or Multiple-Entry Visas.

    Also covered are individuals whose Combined Expatriate Residence Permit and Aliens Card (CERPAC) expired over 30 days ago.

    All affected persons are advised to regularise their stay at https://amnesty.immigration.gov.ng within the grace period to avoid penalties.

    To ease the process, Akinlabi said the NIS has set up a support team to assist applicants during the amnesty window.

    Support is available via email at amnesty@immigration.gov.ng for anyone seeking help with their application.

    The NIS remains committed to lawful migration, national security, and transparent immigration procedures.

    For more details, visit the Nigeria Immigration Service website: www.immigration.gov.ng.

  • FCCPC seals France, Belgium, Italy visa centres in Abuja

    FCCPC seals France, Belgium, Italy visa centres in Abuja

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC,), has sealed off France, Belgium and Italy visa centres located at the Mukhtar El-Yakub House, Central Business District, Abuja.

    The office was sealed with the combined efforts of operatives from the FCCPC, Nigerian Police Force (NPF) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps as staff of the centre resisted the sealing.

    Sealing off the centre on Thursday, Mrs Boladale Adeyinka, the Director, Surveillance and Investigations Department of FCCPC, said the move was due to failure of the centre to receive a letter of the Commission to investigate a consumer complaint.

    Adeyinka said the centre was also sealed due to obstruction of investigation or inquiry and conducting services considered upon reasonable suspicion to be inimical to consumers’ welfare.

    She mandated the company to apper before the Commission on June 20, to testify, make depositions and provide evidence in relation to failure to receive a letter of the Commission to investigate a complaint and obstruction of investigation or inquiry.

    ”This is an enforcement operation against TLS. As you are aware, they provide visa support services to Nigerian consumers.

    ”On the 25th of March 2025, based on consumer complaint, a letter was served on them to address the consumer complaint as is the process of amicable resolution of consumer complaints at the commission.

    ”The officers of TLS, rather than receive the consumer complaint, proceeded to assault our officers who were conducting the lawful duty of protecting and implementing the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA).

    ”Upon receipt of that report, the commission directed that they should be summoned (1:25) to appear before the commission pursuant to Section 33 of the FCCPA.

    ”Rather than receive the summons of the commission, officers of TLS again on June 17, proceeded not only to assault our officers but also assaulted uniformed officers of the police force who were providing lawful security for the operations of the commission.

    ”Section 33 stipulates that any person who without sufficient cause fails or refuses to appear before the commission in compliance with a summons commits an offence and is liable on conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or fine not exceeding #20 million or both fine and imprisonment,” she said.

    Adeyinka directed that the Company would be liable for all losses and expenses encountered by visa applicants as a result of the enforcement.

    However, the Management of the Company  refused to comment on the matter. The centre is being managed by TLS Contact, a Teleperformance Company.

  • U.S. resumes student visas for foreigners

    U.S. resumes student visas for foreigners

    The U.S. has announced that it is resuming the suspended process for foreigners applying for student visas but would now require monitoring of the social media activities of the applicants.

    The U.S. Department of State said all applicants would now be required to unlock their social media accounts for review in an attempt to expand screening and vetting for visa applicants.

    The government had, in May, temporarily halted the scheduling of new visa interviews for foreign students hoping to study in the U.S.

    The department’s spokesperson in a statement, said U.S. visa was a privilege, not a right.

    “We use all available information in our visa screening and vetting to identify visa applicants who are inadmissible to the United States, including those who pose a threat to U.S. national security.

    “Under new guidance, the department will conduct a comprehensive and thorough vetting, including online presence, of all student and exchange visitor applicants in the F, M, and J nonimmigrant  classifications.

    “To facilitate this vetting, all applicants for F, M, and J nonimmigrant visas will be instructed to adjust the privacy settings on all of their social media profiles to public.”

    It also announced that the U.S. overseas posts would resume scheduling F, M, and J nonimmigrant visa applications soon.

    The State Department said it was “committed to protecting the nation and its citizens by upholding the highest standards of national security and public safety through its visa process”.

    It also advised visa applicants to check the relevant embassy or consulate website for appointment availability.

    “Every visa adjudication is a national security decision,” the statement stressed.

    “The United States must be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that those applying for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests,” it said.

    The statement demanded that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sort, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission”.

    Nigeria currently leads Africa as the number one source of international students enrolling in the United States, with about 20,000 students, and ranks 17th globally.