The federal government has said it is engaging authorities in United States and United Arab Emirates (UAE) over recent visa policy changes affecting Nigerian citizens.
Gatekeepers News reports that on July 8, the United States announced a new visa policy that reduces the validity of most non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas — including tourist, business, and student visas, for Nigerians to just three months.
The revised policy also limits such visas to single entries, meaning applicants must reapply for each visit.
In a statement on Monday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, said the government is working through proper diplomatic channels to address the concerns raised by the U.S. government.
According to the U.S., the changes are driven by two key issues: a high rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals and challenges in verifying applicants’ records.
The statement explained that the move is part of a broader global visa reciprocity review, which evaluates visa policies based on entry frequency and visa validity.
President Tinubu has directed all federal agencies to uphold Nigeria’s international commitments and improve collaboration with foreign partners on identity verification and record sharing.
The president also urged Nigerians to adhere to immigration laws in host countries and maintain the integrity of the privileges granted to them.
Regarding recent reports of stricter UAE visa conditions, the federal government clarified that it has not received any official communication from the Emirati authorities about new restrictions on Nigerian travellers. However, it acknowledged that visa processing for Nigerians is ongoing.
The statement added, “ “The President appreciates the continued cooperation of the Government of the United Arab Emirates, which has remained constructive and engaged with Nigerian authorities.
“Any genuine concerns raised are being addressed through the appropriate channels, in a spirit of mutual respect and collaboration.
The government reaffirmed its commitment to securing the rights and dignity of Nigerians abroad, in line with President Tinubu’s 4-D Foreign Policy strategy, which prioritizes Democracy, Development, Diaspora, and Demographics.
The federal government also reiterated its dedication to strengthening bilateral relations with both the U.S. and the UAE.
