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Tag: VISA

  • ‘Let them carry their own cross’ – FG accepts U.S. visa ban on Nigerians

    ‘Let them carry their own cross’ – FG accepts U.S. visa ban on Nigerians

    The Federal Government says whatever action was taken against anyone who undermines the nation”s democracy, watered by the blood of many patriots, is right and justified.

    The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated this on Monday in Abuja at the 20th edition of the President Muhammadu Buhari’ (PMB) Administration Scorecard Series (2015-2023).

    Mohammed was responding to the decision by the United States of America to slam a visa ban on some Nigerians believed to be responsible for, or complicit in undermining democracy in Nigeria.

    The decision was announced in a statement recently issued by The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken.

    The minister reiterated the position of the Buhari administration to ensure free, fair, and credible elections as well as a smooth handover to a successor elected by Nigerians in May 29.

    “As a government, we are proud to say that no administration since Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, has shown more fidelity to the democratic process than ours.

    “No President, since 1999, has been as unambiguous as President Muhammadu Buhari, in word and in deed, with regards to leaving office after the constitutionally-stipulated two terms,” he said

    According to the minister, President Buhari had given unprecedented support to INEC, including signing into law the Electoral Bill 2022, which was applauded by Nigerians.

    He also reiterated the position of the government to conduct the general elections as planned and scheduled.

    Mohammed said the scorecard series, during which ministers gave the giant strides of their ministries since 2015, was another indication of the administration’s determination to leave office on May 29, 2023.

    According to him, the scorecard series was  in essence, a presentation of the handover notes of the administration to those who elected them to office, as they prepare to leave in May.

    “We have not been mired in any third-term controversy like was witnessed under the Peoples Democratic Party.

    “In fact, we are creating the template on a smooth transition of power that will guide future administrations.

    “Let those who undermine our democracy be sanctioned, and let them carry their own cross.

    “As a government, we have no reason to worry because our hands are clean!,” he said.

    The U.S. Secretary of State, in the statement, had said his country was committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world.

    He said: “Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process in a recent Nigerian election.

    “Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be found ineligible for visas to the United States under a policy to restrict visas of those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Nigeria.

    “Certain family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions.”

    Blinken added: “Additional persons who undermine the democratic process in Nigeria—including in the lead-up to, during, and following Nigeria’s 2023 elections—may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy.

    “The visa restrictions announced today are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria.

    “The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law.”

  • 2023: U.S. announces visa ban on Nigerians

    2023: U.S. announces visa ban on Nigerians

    The United States of America government has threatened to  impose visa restrictions on individuals found in acting of undermining the Nigerian 2023 general elections

    U.S. Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken made the announcement in a statement released by the U.S Mission in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Blinken said that the action was in line with its commitment to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world. 

     “Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process in a recent Nigerian elections.  

    “Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be found ineligible for visas to the United States under a policy to restrict visas of those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Nigeria. 

    “Certain family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions.  Additional persons who undermine the democratic process in Nigeria—including in the lead-up to, during, and following Nigeria’s 2023 elections—may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy.

    “The visa restrictions announced today are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria. 

    “The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law,” he stated.

    This is not the first time the U.S has placed such visa restrictions to deter people from disrupting the elections.

  • VIDEO: Bola Tinubu’s U.S. visa sparks laughter at Chatham House

    VIDEO: Bola Tinubu’s U.S. visa sparks laughter at Chatham House

    A conversation centred around the much talked about U.S. visa of Mr Bola Tinubu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 presidential election on Monday sparked laughter at Chatham House, London.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Chatham House, the Royal Institute of International Affairs invited Tinubu to speak on “Nigeria’s 2023 elections: Security, economic and foreign policy imperatives”.

    In his introductory remarks, Alex Vines, Director of Africa Programme at Chatham House sparked laughter when he joked about the U.S. visa of the APC presidential candidate.

    “I understand that you have very much a valid U.S. visa and would be going to the United States after this,” Vines said to rousing applause and laughter by participants at the event.

    Recall that Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo recently debunked claims that the United States denied Tinubu a visa.

    Keyamo who is also the spokesman of the Tinubu/Shettima campaign council said the rumour was the handiwork of mischief makers.

    2023: Peter Obi, INEC Chairman, others to speak at Chatham House

    Meanwhile, Vines disclosed that the candidate of the Labour Party for the 2023 presidential election, Mr Peter Obi and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Mahmood Yakubu have been scheduled to speak at Chatham House.

    He also disclosed that Chatham House will also host the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and also the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr Rabiu Kwankwaso in series of meetings leading up to Nigeria’s 2023 general election.

    “On the 17th of January 2023, Chatham House will host an event with INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu. We have invitations out to three other presidential candidates for this election in Nigeria.

    “So, Atiku Abubakar, the candidate for the People’s Democratic Party, we have issued an invitation to him. As you know, some of you, he spoke here in 2018 about Nigeria’s economy. He is no stranger to Chatham House.

    “An invitation has also been issued to Peter Obi, the leader for the Labour Party. He is also considering that invitation. And finally, we have also invited Rabiu Kwankwaso, the New Nigeria People’s Party candidate.

    “So, we do want to be equitable and impartial here at this institute and as you can understand and see, not only are we interested in the electoral processes and systems and checks and balances in Nigeria, we also want to hear from potential Nigerian leadership,” Vines disclosed.

  • U.S. mission expands eligibility period for non-immigrant visa renewals

    U.S. mission expands eligibility period for non-immigrant visa renewals

    The U.S. Mission has expanded the eligibility period for nonimmigrant visa renewals from 24 months to 48 months.

    This was made known in a statement made available on Friday evening.

    According to the mission, applicants whose previous U.S. visa expired within the last 48 months or will expire in the next 3 months may now qualify to renew their visa without an interview.

    The mission noted in the statement that it was also opening thousands of visa renewal appointments to assist applicants who wished to renew their visas.

    “You may be eligible for a visa renewal without an interview if your application is for a B1/B2, F, M, J (academic only), H, L or C1/D (combined only) visa, AND you meet each of the following criteria:

    “Your previous visa was issued in Nigeria, your previous visa is in the same classification as your current application, your previous visa was a full validity, multiple entry visa.

    “Your previous visa expired within the last 48 months or will expire in the next 3 months from the date of application, you have all your passports covering the entire period since receiving the previous visa and the passport with the most recent visa.

    “You have never been arrested or convicted of any crime or offense in the United States, even if you later received a waiver or pardon, you have never worked without authorization or remained beyond your permitted time in the United States,” the statement read.

    The mission noted that processing times for the programme were expected to be up to two months and applicants would not be able to retrieve their passports during that time.

    “Each applicant must individually meet the criteria; minors can apply without an interview only if they meet the eligibility criteria on their own.”

    It was further noted that third parties unaffiliated with the U.S. Embassy Abuja and Consulate General Lagos might seek to take advantage of various visa services to target visa applicants with fraudulent offers or claims.

    The mission urged applicants to fill out their own forms and make their appointments themselves via the official websites.

    “Please see our website at https://ng.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/ for further information.

    “If you are qualified based on the above criteria, visit https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ng to start your application.”

  • UK envoy admits surge in visa application by Nigerians

    UK envoy admits surge in visa application by Nigerians

    The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mrs Catriona Laing, has said that the number of Nigerians applying for visas to the UK has increased in recent times.

    Laing made the disclosure on Sunday in Abuja when she featured at NAN Forum.

    She noted, however, that the UK government was mindful of the situation and was in talks with the Nigerian government to avoid causing brain-drain, especially in the health sector.

    The high commissioner expressed her delight that the UK had become an attractive destination for Nigerians, especially students, adding that the UK was ready to welcome talents.

    “You know, there is obviously people of Nigerian origin in the UK. So, people like to go where they have family or where they have friends. Secondly, the English language obviously makes it a lot easier.

    “Thirdly is the education, and people who have studied they will want to return. And I think you know, we are a welcoming country and we want to welcome talents, whether it’s people coming to study, or people coming to work.

    “So, a lot of Nigerians will be tuned to the UK and we have seen actually a very big increase in requests for Nigerian student visas. That is partly because we have changed our policy.

    “So it is now easier for Nigerians, students to remain after their studies, they can stay I think up to two years if you have done a masters or a PhD, which will enable people to look for work after they have studied.

     “We have labour shortage in the UK at the moment. But we have to balance that because we do not also want to be responsible for a massive brain drain from Nigeria because you also need talented people.

    “So the health sector is an example where there is a lot of Nigerian medics, both nurses and doctors in the National Health Service,” Laing said.

    Responding to why the UK is sending asylum seekers to Rwanda, Laing said it was to enhance migration in partnership with Rwanda.

    “We have a policy we have designed, to enhance migration in partnership with the government of Rwanda. But it is actually under legal challenge at the moment.

    “So that is just one element of trying to deal with what is frankly a huge problem.

    “Like you see in the news, each day, these boats are coming across the channel with migrants from many different countries, and it is a huge, huge problem.

    “Because when they arrived they have to find accommodation, it takes a long time to process their applications.

    “So we absolutely recognise there are many genuine refugees from countries like Syria, in Africa, it is mostly Eritrea, South Sudan, the people who are fleeing horrible persecution.

    “So the Rwanda policy is just one component of many that we are trying to put in place to address this very challenging problem,” Laing said.

  • UK threatens to tighten study visa restrictions on Nigerians

    UK threatens to tighten study visa restrictions on Nigerians

    The British Government has threatened to tighten student and work visas for Nigerians for what it perceived as abuse of the policy by Nigerians already living in the country.

    The British government is worried about the number of relatives Nigerians with student visas are bringing in to it country.

    The UK Home Office data, revealed that the number of relatives brought in by Nigerians is almost at par with the percentage of student and work visas issued to the African country.

    According to research carried out it was discovered that citizens of other countries like, China, India, Pakistan and United States, invited fewer relatives in comparison to Nigerian citizens.

    India is the only country that is close to Nigeria, the UK Home Office research showed. Nigerians secured about 34,000 study visas to the UK and they eventually brought 31,898 dependents.

    This high number doesn’t sit well with the UK government, considering 114,837 Chinese immigrants granted UK student visas in 2021 brought in only 401 relatives.

    For the Indian immigrants, about 24,916 dependents went to the UK to join around 93,049 Indian students that secured student visas.

    It was gathered that 40 per cent of relatives that accompanied foreign students between June last year and June 2022 were Nigerians.

    This is despite seven per cent of all foreign students during the period in review being Nigerians.

    As a result, the UK government is considering tightening visa rules, according to UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman.

    According to the Prime Business Africa report, countries like Bangladesh, Ghana and Algeria, amongst others, faced visa rejections up to 40 per cent.

     

  • Why Ethiopia suspended visa on arrival, new ways to apply – FG

    Why Ethiopia suspended visa on arrival, new ways to apply – FG

    The Federal Government says Ethiopia’s suspension of its “visa on arrival” to non-resident foreigners at all entry points is due to insecurity, especially regarding its current political situation.

    The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Francisca Omayuli, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    The government, however, urged Nigerians intending to travel to Ethiopia to obtain appropriate entry visas at the country’s embassy or via an electronic visa (e-visa) through the country’s Immigration and Citizenship Service (ICS) portal at www.evisa.gov.et.

    “The suspension applies to nationals of all countries bearing Standard Passports, who seek entry into Ethiopia and not specifically targeted at Nigerians.

    “The Ethiopian authorities have explained that the measure is aimed at better border control of movement of persons into Ethiopia in view of the ongoing armed conflict in the Northern part of the country,” said Omayuli.

    She further explained that the measure was temporary, pending improvement in the security situation in the country, and not a replacement of Ethiopia’s open visa policy.

    She added that Nigerians transiting through Bole International Airport, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to other destinations or those who intended to stop over would require valid entry visa to enable them access hotel facilities in the city.

    She said the temporary visa restriction came into effect on Sept. 29, and that the federal government would also liaise with the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and relevant airlines to ensure intending Nigerian travellers enroute Ethiopia were sensitised.

    “The general public is invited to take note of the new visa regime of the Federal Government of Ethiopia and be guided accordingly,” she added.

    Omayuli also expressed government’s concern over the Ethiopian government’s worry over the abuse of the country’s visa policy by some Nigerians.

    According to the Ethiopian authorities, some Nigerians who enter the country on tourist visas remain even after the expiration of their visas, engaging in unwholesome activities.

    “The activities of these few elements not only tarnish the image of the country, but limit opportunities for well-meaning Nigerians outside the country.

    “Such persons are enjoined to turn a new leaf and take advantage of the opportunity provided by the Ethiopian National Security Agencies to participate in the ongoing registration of undocumented migrants to avoid unpleasant situation,” Omayuli added.

  • Saudi Arabia eases visa requirements for tourists

    Saudi Arabia eases visa requirements for tourists

    Saudi Arabia has announced an amendment to its tourist visa policy for residents of other Gulf Arab countries and the United States, Britain and the European Union.

    According to a press statement by the Saudi Ministry of Tourism, residents of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, along with their close relatives and domestic workers, can apply for an e-visa online.

    It added that residents or holders of a tourist or business visa to the United States, Britain and the EU are able to get a visa on arrival.

    The changed tourist visa policy was part of a decree signed by the Tourism Minister Ahmed Al-Khateeb to “make it quicker and easier to visit Saudi Arabia,” the ministry said.

    In the past few years, Saudi Arabia has taken a series of steps to develop various sectors of the economy, including tourism, to diversify the state revenues and reduce its dependence on oil sales.

  • FG appeals with Canada to remove stringent conditions on visa

    FG appeals with Canada to remove stringent conditions on visa

    The Federal Government has appealed to the Canadian Government to remove the stringent conditions preventing Nigerians from procuring its visa.

    Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola made the appeal when the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, James Christoff paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday in Abuja.

    In a statement issued by the Deputy Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry,  Mr Afonja Ajibola, the minister said easing the visa conditions would boost investment and accelerate economic growth in both countries.

    Aregbesola also urged the Canadian Government to assist Nigeria with new technologies to ease the monitoring of Nigerian borders, high seas, land, railways and schools.

    He said such technology would also facilitate quick response to security issues and enhance investments in Nigeria.

    Earlier, Christoff said that the visit was to seek for bilateral cooperation with Nigeria in the areas of economy, security, technology, education and training of Immigration Service personnel.

    The high commissioner said that the training of immigration personnel would ensure efficient border monitoring and enhance Nigeria’s security.

    Christoff said that the Canadian Government would review some of its visa conditions, so that Nigerians can access Canada without difficulties.

    Also, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore, said strengthening partnership and cooperation between Nigeria and Canada would enhance development in both nations, including areas of security.

  • FACT CHECK: Claim Turkey delisted Nigeria from countries eligible for e-visa after Kuje jailbreak false

    FACT CHECK: Claim Turkey delisted Nigeria from countries eligible for e-visa after Kuje jailbreak false

    Reports emerged Thursday that Nigerian visa applicants to the Republic of Turkey have been barred from accessing the e-visa provision and have instead been advised to apply through any Turkish Consulate.

    The reports attribute the ban to Tuesday’s Kuje jailbreak by members of the ISWAP terrorist group that freed 879 inmates.

    “Just in case you are planning to Japa (travel abroad) just know that the Kuje prison break has made the chances for you getting visa slim. Nigerians are no longer allowed to get e-visa to Turkey,” a twitter post claimed.

    Similar posts shared on facebook and Instagram attracted a lot of comments, with many saying that President Muhammadu Buhari’s recent trip to Istanbul had not helped to strengthen bilateral relations between both countries.

    HOW TRUE IS THIS CLAIM?

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) investigations show that in recent years, many governments have outsourced their visa processing to external partners.

    This has helped them to manage the increasing demand for visas in the age of booming international travel.

    As such, one of such partners in charge of processing Turkey visas is iVisa, an online application website that provides customers with a simple, fast, and reliable way to get travel documentation for their journey.

    This newspaper can confirm that the company is currently unable to process visa applications from Nigeria and other African countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa and Ghana. However, these countries appear on the search list of nationalities.

    Applicants from the above named countries receive the following feedback message: “Travel Document Required. Currently, we cannot help you process this travel document. You will need to contact the embassy nearest you to get more information.”

    There has been no official announcement from Turkey on a revised e-visa requirement for Africans and applications through other visa processing partners do not face the same challenge.

    VERDICT

    MISLEADING: The claim that Turkey has delisted Nigeria from countries eligible for e-visa following the Kuje jailbreak is therefore false and should be disregarded by the public.