The Nigerian Presidency has revealed that the United States reduced visa validity for Nigerians due to two main reasons: the high rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals and the need for reliable access to their records.
According to Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, the U.S government communicated these reasons as the basis for its decision to issue three-month single-entry visas instead of the previous five-year multiple-entry visas.
Onanuga said, ”The U.S. cited the current rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals as a primary reason for the policy change.
”The U.S government also emphasised the need for reliable access to Nigerian visa applicants’ records, which is part of its global visa reciprocity process, ” he added.
President Bola Tinubu has directed all federal agencies to ensure full compliance with Nigeria’s international obligations and strengthen inter-governmental cooperation in authenticating identities.
The President urged Nigerians to respect host countries’ immigration regulations and uphold the integrity of permits and privileges granted to them.
Despite the U.S. decision, Nigeria would continue to issue five-year multiple-entry visas for American applicants.
Meanwhile, the Federal government said that it has not received formal communication from UAE authorities regarding revised visa policies for Nigerians.
