The United States (US) government recently announced a change in its visa policy for Nigerian applicants, transitioning from the previous five year multiple entry visa to issuing three-month single-entry visas.
Presidential special adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, while confirming this stated that the US government’s decision was based on the current rate of visa overstays by Nigerians and the need for reliable access to their record.
Onanuga stated “The US 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 US further explained that the visa policy adjustment was part of its global visa reciprocity process, which is routinely reviewed and subject to change, including the number of permitted entries and validity durations.
He mentioned that, “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 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.”
He further noted that, notwithstanding the US position, the Nigerian government had affirmed its commitment to continue issuing five year multiple-entry visas to American applicants, he commented on the ongoing controversy surrounding visa issuances from the United Arab Emirates to Nigerian citizens.
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