The Digest:
The Nigerian Presidency has clarified the reasons behind the recent reduction of US visa validity for Nigerians. The change, which shortens the visa duration from five years to three months, is part of a global review of visa policies by the US government. The Presidency attributes this shift to two main factors: high rates of visa overstays by Nigerians and the need for better access to their visa records. Additionally, the government has not received formal communication from the UAE regarding changes to its visa policies.
Key Points:
- The US reduced visa validity for Nigerians from five years to three-month single-entry visas.
- Reasons for the decision: high rate of visa overstays and the need for better access to visa records.
- The adjustment is part of the US global visa reciprocity process, subject to regular reviews.
- President Bola Tinubu has instructed Nigerian agencies to comply with international obligations and enhance identity authentication processes for Nigerians seeking consular services abroad.
- The Presidency emphasized that Nigerians should respect immigration laws and uphold the integrity of permits granted by host countries.
- No formal communication received from the UAE about its revised visa policies.
- Despite the US decision, Nigeria will continue to issue five-year multiple-entry visas for American applicants.
The Nigerian government is addressing the US visa validity reduction, urging Nigerians to comply with international visa regulations. It remains committed to strengthening diplomatic relations with the US and UAE while focusing on improving the credibility and efficiency of its consular services.
Sources: Presidency, TheCable, Channels
