The Ministry of Foreign Affairs says diplomatic efforts are ongoing to reverse the United States’ recent visa restrictions on Nigerian citizens, but no changes have been made yet.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has disclosed that the United States has yet to reverse the recently imposed visa restrictions on some categories of Nigerian citizens, despite ongoing diplomatic engagements.
Spokesperson for the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, told The PUNCH on Wednesday that “engagements are ongoing but the policy is yet to be reversed so far.” The U.S. government has not issued a formal response to Nigeria’s appeal for a review.
Under the revised visa reciprocity schedule, the U.S. shortened the validity of certain non-immigrant visas including B1/B2 (business and tourism), F (student), and J (exchange visitor) to just three months, with single-entry access.
Last month, the Federal Government condemned the policy as a “disproportionate response,” describing it as inconsistent with the principles of equity and reciprocity. It warned that the changes could hinder legitimate travel and damage cultural and educational ties.
While acknowledging America’s sovereign immigration rights, Nigeria urged Washington to reconsider the policy “in the spirit of mutual respect and long-standing bilateral relations.”
THIS WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED AT PUNCH