The Federal Government has protested the new visa restrictions imposed on Nigerian citizens by the United States and the United Arab Emirates.
Nigeria has dubbed the measures ‘harsh and inconsistent’ with longstanding diplomatic ties.
It would be recalled that the US government cut the validity of B1/B2 (business/tourism), F (student), and J (exchange) visas of Nigerians to just three months with only a single entry permitted.
The policy, took effective from July 8, was, according to the U.S. government, part of a global visa reciprocity review.
It replaces the previous multi-year, multiple-entry arrangement that Nigerians had hitherto enjoyed.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has now called on the U.S. to reconsider the policy in the interest of the bilateral relationship between the two countries.
The Federal Government warned that the new development could adversely affect cultural, academic, and professional exchanges between Nigeria and the US.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, led a government delegation to meet with the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr in his office over the issue.
Tunji-Ojo said Nigeria remained committed to securing travel protocols, curbing visa overstays, and sharing critical security data with America.
He also seized the opportunity to talk about the government’s new e-visa system for foreign visitors as part of its efforts to improve transparency.
The US ambassador explained that the new rules applied only to visas issued after July 8 and would not affect already-issued visas.
UAE imposes restrictions on Nigerians
In a related development, the United Arab Emirates has also imposed tougher entry rules for Nigerians.
Going forward, Nigerians aged 18 to 45 are no longer eligible for tourist visas unless accompanied.
Applicants who are over 45 must provide a six-month personal bank statement showing at least $10,000 (over N15 million) monthly balance.
This development will drastically cut down on travels to Dubai by Nigerians seeking vacation or business opportunities.
UK rolls out eVisas for Nigerians
In another development, the British High Commission in Abuja has announced that from July 15, 2025, most Nigerians applying for study or work visas will receive a digital eVisa instead of a visa sticker.
The new system is part of the UK’s move towards a fully digital immigration process.
Applicants still need to attend a Visa Application Centre for biometrics registration, but successful applicants will be able to access their visa status online via a UKVI account.
UK Chargé d’Affaires, Gill Obe called the development “a big step to a more efficient and secure system.”
However, visitor visa applicants and dependants will continue receiving visa vignette stickers for now.
