The Digest:
The Nigerian government has started diplomatic talks with the United States following the announcement of new visa restrictions for Nigerian citizens. Meanwhile, the UAE and the UK also introduced new visa measures for Nigerian nationals, further complicating international travel.
Key Points:
- The US has imposed new visa restrictions, limiting non-immigrant visas for Nigerians to three months with a single entry.
- Nigeria is engaging the US diplomatically, urging reconsideration of the new policy in the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.
- The restriction particularly affects students, tourists, and business travelers who require longer stays or multiple entries.
- The change follows the US embassy's visa reciprocity review, a process that ensures fairness based on both countries' policies.
- The UAE has imposed new visa restrictions, limiting applications for tourists aged 18 to 45 years, and requiring a $10,000 minimum balance for those over 45.
- The UK has introduced e-Visas for Nigerian students and workers, marking a shift to a digital visa system to streamline the application process from July 15, 2025.
- The UK’s new system eliminates physical visa stickers, opting for secure online e-Visas for most applicants, except dependents and visitor visa applicants.
These new visa restrictions and systems reflect changing global immigration trends, with Nigerian citizens facing tighter controls. The Nigerian government is determined to address these issues through diplomatic channels, while the UK and UAE introduce digital and financial measures for visa processing.
Sources: The Nation, Daily Post
