TheNewsGuru

Tag: VISA

  • How to easily get U.S. visa

    How to easily get U.S. visa

    David Greene, Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has advised persons desiring to travel to the U.S. to apply for visa early and ensure that the visa requests are tied to events.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Greene gave the advice in view of the gap between supply and demand for U.S. visas.

    Speaking in an interview in Abuja, Greene assured visa applicants of the mission’s commitment to tackling all visa-related hitches.

    According to him, issues related to visas would fully become a thing of the past, saying the mission is doing everything within its power to tackle such challenges.

    “When it comes to visas specifically, well of course, it is a simple fact, the demand for visa appointments outnumbers the supply.

    “So, those appointments are available and we are doing everything we can to address that gap. What folks do not know is that this year we have interviewed more than 150,000 Nigerians.

    “This is in addition to 30,000 students. Hundreds of thousands of students have had the opportunity to seek visas from the U.S.

    “We are doing the best we can to get proper ways for all the categories and after having an enormous backlog as a result of COVID-19, and all that.

    “We have made great progress though. In March we instituted a five-year term for visas to the U.S.,” he added.

    He urged persons desiring to travel to the U.S. to apply early and ensure that the visa requests are tied to events.

    “Folks that are seeking visas should apply early, make sure that the plan is for an event as they can.

    “This is because we do acknowledge that there is a backlog and we will do what we can to make sure people that need a warrant visa to the U.S. can get them,” he said.

  • U.S. Embassy to tackle visa-related hitches in Nigeria

    U.S. Embassy to tackle visa-related hitches in Nigeria

    Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S, Embassy in Nigeria Mr. David Greene has assured visa applicants of the mission’s commitment to tackling all visa-related hitches.

    Greene gave the assurance during an interview with NAN in Abuja.

    According to him, issues related to visas would fully become a thing of the past, saying the mission is doing everything within its power to tackle such challenges.

    “When it comes to visas specifically, well of course it is a simple fact, the demand for visa appointments outnumbers the supply.

    “So, those appointments are available and we are doing everything we can to address that gap. What folks do not know is that this year we have interviewed more than 150,000 Nigerians.

    “This is in addition to 30,000 students. Hundreds of thousands of students have had the opportunity to seek visas from the U.S.

    “We are doing the best we can to get proper ways for all the categories and after having an enormous backlog as a result of COVID-19, and all that.

    “We have made great progress though. In March we instituted a five-year term for visas to the U.S.,” he added.

    He urged persons desiring to travel to the U.S. to apply early and ensure that the visa requests are tied to events.

    “Folks that are seeking visas should apply early, make sure that the plan is for an event as they can.

    “This is because we do acknowledge that there is a backlog and we will do what we can to make sure people that need a warrant visa to the U.S., can get them,” he said.

  • Visa Cancellation: Why we deported 177 Nigerians – Saudi Arabia

    Visa Cancellation: Why we deported 177 Nigerians – Saudi Arabia

    The Saudi Arabian authorities have released a statement explaining the deportation of 177 Nigerians from the  Kingdom.

    Recall  that about 264 Nigerian travelers were notified that their visa had been cancelled when they landed at the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Hajj Terminal Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Monday, 13th November, 2023.

    It was on arrival at the Hajj terminal that the Saudi Immigration authorities informed the passengers that their visas had been cancelled.

    Consequently, 177 passengers were made to return on the same flight back to Nigeria while 87 passengers were cleared by immigration and allowed entry into Jeddah.

    The Federal Government of Nigeria has called for calm over the deportation of the 167 Nigerians over disparity in their  visas.

    On Wednesday the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Abuja made a clarification about the situation.

    “The passengers whom were denied entry, and subsequently deported to their initial destinations, didn’t fulfill the entry conditions and requirements in accordance with the applicable rules and regulations of the Kingdom,” a statement from the embassy said.

    It added: “The deportees submitted incorrect information to obtain a category of visa that doesn’t apply to them, which was discovered upon their arrival.

    “The Royal Embassy would like to stress the importance of following the procedures and laws enacted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for all visitors.

    “Furthermore, all passengers should review all the documents to determine their conformity with the conditions prior departing from their countries to the Kingdom.

    “This procedure was not limited to Nigerian citizens only, but rather to citizens of other countries.”

  • ‘Japa’: Germany eases visa processes for skilled Nigerians

    ‘Japa’: Germany eases visa processes for skilled Nigerians

    Germany wants skilled foreign workers and has decided to ease the requirements of obtaining its Blue Card.

    A European blue card is a residence permit for qualified non-EU foreign nationals to work in an EU country. The card facilitates the admission of non-EU highly skilled professionals into the EU and accelerates the path to permanent residency as early as 21 months after relocating to Germany.

    Germany adjust blue card requirements

    According to updated information published in Germany ServicePortal Berlin, four new changes have been introduced to make it easy for foreign workers to secure a visa and family reunification.

    One of the changes is a substantial reduction in the annual income requirement needed to qualify for the blue card. Local media reports that the German authority has slashed the annual average income threshold from €58,400 to €39,682.80 for sought-after fields like mathematics, healthcare, and IT. A complete, updated list of the bottleneck professions is here. While other workers must now earn €43,800 to qualify. Also, fresh university graduates and IT professionals are now eligible.

    Furthermore, recent university graduates within the last three years and IT professionals with at least three years of experience, even without a degree, are now eligible for a blue card at a lower salary.

    More changes
    Another significant change is that holders of blue cards from another EU country can come to Germany for up to 90 days on work-related trips without a visa.

    addition, those living in another EU country on a blue card for at least a year can live and work in Germany long-term without needing a visa. How to apply for a Blue Card To apply, complete the blue card application and submit it to the German embassy in Abuja or Lagos.

  • Investigation launched into Saudi visa cancellation – FG

    Investigation launched into Saudi visa cancellation – FG

    The Federal Government on Tuesday urged all affected passengers of  Air Peace whose visas were cancelled and deported from Saudi Arabia to remain calm and that an investigation into the “unfortunate” incident has been launched.

    This is contained in a statement by Francisca  Omayuli, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    According to Omayuli, reports received from the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah indicated that Air Peace Flight No. P4-752 transported 264 passengers from the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos and the Aminu Kano International Airport and landed at the King Abdul-Aziz International Airport – Hajj Terminal Jeddah on Nov. 13.

    She said in the statement that on arrival at the Hajj Terminal,  the Saudi immigration authorities informed the passengers that their visas had been cancelled and 177 passengers had to be evacuated on the same flight back to Nigeria.

    No fewer than 87 of the passengers were cleared by immigration and allowed entry into Jeddah, she added.

    Omayuli explained that the Saudi authorities are yet to give reasons for the cancellation of the visas and the outright ban imposed on 18 of the passengers from Saudi Arabia for various offences they committed in the past.

    “Notwithstanding the fact that it is the prerogative of a sovereign nation to determine who is permitted entry into its territory, Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are traditional and strategic partners, who are willing to guard against recurrence of this unfortunate incident.

    “In this regard, investigation is ongoing in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

    “The affected passengers are, therefore, implored to keep calm, while the matter is being resolved,” the statement quoted Omayuli as saying.

    The House of Representatives had condemned the cancellation of the passengers’ visas, describing the act as embarrassing.

    They urged the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, take the necessary diplomatic steps to protect Nigeria’s image and ensure the full implementation of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA).

    The lawmakers also called for the protection of Nigerian national carriers flying to Saudi Arabia and protect the Nigerian travelling public.

    They also mandated the House Committee on Foreign Affairs and that of Interior and Pilgrims Affairs to launch an enquiry into the immediate and remote circumstances surrounding the cancellation of the visas and report back within two weeks.

  • Canadian visa application centres in Abuja, Lagos remain open – Official

    Canadian visa application centres in Abuja, Lagos remain open – Official

    The High Commission of Canada in Nigeria on Thursday said visa application centres in Abuja and Lagos remained open to the public.

    The mission said this in a statement, following the fire outbreak that affected a section of the building of the high commission in Abuja, on Monday.

    “As we continue to mourn the passing of our dear colleague from the High Commission of Canada in Abuja, please note the following information below:

    “Immigration, Refugee and Citizenship Canada (IRCC clients: processing of applications continues).

    “Regardless of the suspension of operations at the High Commission of Canada in Abuja, the Visa application centres in Abuja and Lagos remain open.

    “For status updates send a webform. (https:// www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/application/check-status.html).

    “Consular assistance for Canadians in Nigeria who require emergency assistance: sos@international.gc.ca or +1 613 996 8885 or via our whatsapp on +1-613-909-8881.”

    The explosion at a section of the building of the Canadian High Commission in Abuja on Monday killed two people including a local employee and left two others injured.

    Global Affairs Canada, in a statement issued on Monday, said it would work with local authorities to determine the cause of the explosion.

  • After fire incident, Canadian High Commission suspends issuance of visa

    After fire incident, Canadian High Commission suspends issuance of visa

    The Canadian High Commission on Monday, announced that it has suspended operations its operation in Nigeria until further notice and issued a warning against non-essential travel to the country.

    The embassy issued a travel advisory, wearing against non-essential travel to Nigeria, including Abuja “due to the unpredictable security situation throughout the country and a significant risk of crime, inter-communal clashes, armed attacks and kidnapping.”

    The temporary closure of the Canadian embassy in Nigeria and the travel advisory was from the official website of the Government of Canada.

    Although not the reason stated for the suspension of operations in Nigeria, the Canada High Commission in Abuja on Monday witnessed a fire outbreak that killed two persons and injured two others.

    The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had attributed the fire outbreak to a diesel tank explosion in the generator house of the embassy.

    The Canadian Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, reacted to the incident via her official handle on X (formerly Twitter) saying, “We can confirm there was an explosion at our High Commission in Nigeria. The fire is out and we are working to shed light on what caused this situation. I send my heartfelt condolences to the families of the 2 people killed in this tragedy.”

    Also, President Bola Tinubu, through a statement issued by Ajuri Ngelale, his spokesperson, consoles the Canadian government and victims of the fire outbreak.

    President Tinubu prays for the repose of the departed souls and wishes all injured persons a rapid and full recovery,” the statement said.

  • Rwanda moves to allow Africans gain entry without visa

    Rwanda moves to allow Africans gain entry without visa

    Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame announced a move to further enhance the free movement of people within Africa to facilitate trade and tourism integration.

    The initiative entails visa-free entry into the country for all Africans.

    The timeline for its full implementation is currently unclear.

    Mr Kagame made this announcement during his address to the 23rd Global Summit of the World Travel and Tourism Council currently being hosted in his country’s capital, Kigali, underscoring the need for Africa to shed the constraints of historically imposed colonial borders, which stood in the way of recognising the potentials of open border trade and cultural integration within African nations.

    Africa is “a unified tourism destination,” Mr Kagame said.

    “Any African can get on a plane to Rwanda whenever they wish and they will not pay a thing to enter our country,” he added. “We should not lose sight of our own continental market.”

    Embracing this vision would not only facilitate easier movement of people within the continent but also strengthen economic ties among African nations. It would lead to more extensive trading networks, providing a fertile ground for businesses to flourish and for African economies to thrive collectively.

    The key basis of Mr Kagame’s proposal, tourism, has been repeatedly argued to be an under-explored source of revenue for the continent.

    Simplifying travel for Africans within Africa is crucial to boosting tourism and cultural exchanges, allowing the world to discover and appreciate the rich and diverse tapestry of African nations, contributing to economic growth and fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the continent’s unique heritage.

    “Africans are the future of global tourism as our middle class continues to grow at a fast pace in the decades to come,” he added.

    This policy direction makes Rwanda the fourth country to welcome the open borders initiative for Africans. Other countries that have waived visas to African nationals are Gambia, Benin, and Seychelles.

    Kenya’s President William Ruto also announced on Monday that his government plans to allow all Africans to freely travel to the East African nation visa-free by December 31.

    “Visa restrictions amongst ourselves are working against us. When people cannot travel, business people cannot travel, entrepreneurs cannot travel, we all become net losers,” Mr Ruto told an international summit in Congo Brazzaville.

  • FG to boost daily production of passports to 24000 by NIS

    FG to boost daily production of passports to 24000 by NIS

    The Federal Government has declared that the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) will boost its daily passport production to 24,000 as soon as current application backlogs are addressed.

    In a recent meeting with a delegation from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) in Abuja, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, conveyed that roughly 97,000 of the 200,000 passport application backlogs have already been processed.

    According to a statement released by the ministry’s Director of Press, Ajibola Afonja, Tunji-Ojo emphasized the President’s commitment to national development and the importance of eliminating task redundancy between the agency and the ministry.

    Highlighting the ongoing reforms within the NIS concerning passport issuance, the minister said, “By this morning (Friday), we’ve addressed about 97,000 passport applications. Once we’ve cleared all backlogs, we will enhance our daily production capacity to 24,000 passports.”

    Furthermore, Tunji-Ojo called upon the UNODC to assist in providing skill training for inmates in correctional centers. He underscored the vision of these facilities as centers of reformation, urging that they should not merely be viewed as punishment zones. He also advocated for collaboration between the ministry and the UN agency to streamline intervention programs, ensuring their efficacy and transparency.

    In response, the UNODC team leader, Mr. Oliver Stolpe, acknowledged the purpose of their visit was to explore potential collaboration points and to outline areas where the UNODC has already offered assistance.

  • Tinubu’s solution to UAE-Nigeria visa impasse is diplomatic triumph – Amb Oluwafemi

    Tinubu’s solution to UAE-Nigeria visa impasse is diplomatic triumph – Amb Oluwafemi

    …hails Aviation minister, Keyamo for his proactive move over the issue

    The CEO of the Africa Development Study Centre (ADSC), Ambassador Victor Walsh Oluwafemi has described President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s strategic measures put in place to resolve the consular and economic relations with President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi, which resulted in the immediate cessation of the visa ban placed on Nigerians as a masterstroke.

    Recall that the impasse was very much in force before President Tinubu emerged as the Nigerian number one citizen last May.

    Ambassador Victor Oluwafemi a seasoned management consultant of continental level hailed the president on this landmark in a statement he personally signed on Tuesday.

    He explained that the development which banned Nigerian travelers nine months ago took a new twist after President Tinubu met with the UAE leader and this has led to the immediate resumption of flight schedules for both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines into and out of Nigeria which is welcoming and salutary.

    Mainly Instructive in his view is adding momentum to his drive to give greater investment opportunities to Nigerians at home and the diaspora.

    He reiterated that President Tinubu is the first Nigerian Politician that has deliberately prepared himself for authentic leadership because of his uncommon supports for the Nigerian people since assumption of office particularly in foreign policy interventions and domestic governance ecosystem in the last 100 days.

    According to him, the significant gesture in boosting Nigeria-UAE cooperation economically and geopolitically is second to none in the political history of Nigeria.

    He stated that an economically stronger Nigeria would certainly help augment both the scope and level of cooperation between Nigeria and the UAE. The trade volume between the two sides will increase beyond our imagination.

    He, therefore, appealed to other political parties and strategic stakeholders in the Nigerian project to engage with the Tinubu led administration to chart a pathway to national building efforts for shared prosperity particularly from the several billions of U.S. dollars’ worth of foreign direct Investments and new trade portfolios into the Nigerian economy across different sectors which is a sweet smelling savour for a new national rebirth.

    Ambassador Oluwafemi also hailed Aviation minister, Festus keyamo, SAN for being proactive over the UAE debacle.

    He said: “Within such a short period the aviation minister has proven to Nigerians that his administrative capabilities are not in doubt.

    “Definitely the UAE issue was acidic but Keyamo pulled it through barely three weeks in office as minister.

    “His moves at the airports particularly in the major gateways of our country are laudable,”.

    Victor, who’s also the President of the African Air Passengers Rigth Association (APRASS) and a UAE resident, thanks the UAE President for resolving the issues swiftly and the Minister of Aviation for being proactive on this issue and the airport relocation.

    He commended him and advised the association should be involved in the ministry’s activities especially the current committee that was set up because the airline users are the major stakeholders in all activities concerning the airport and the airlines.