Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has urged Nigerians travelling to the United States to strictly adhere to the conditions of their visas to avoid sweeping restrictions on the country.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a statement on Thursday, NIS spokesman, A.S. Akinlabi, warned that the U.S. has raised concerns over visa misuse by some Nigerians, prompting the need for greater compliance.
The statement reads, “Applicants are reminded that security screening by U.S. authorities continues beyond initial entry.”
“Breach of visa conditions, including overstaying, may attract severe penalties, including removal from the U.S. and permanent ineligibility for future travel.”
The warning was also directed at students and tourists, who constitute a large portion of Nigerian travellers to the U.S.
The statement added, “Nigerian students in the U.S. must remain in active study. Withdrawal, absenteeism, or change of academic programme without notification may lead to visa cancellation and loss of future eligibility.”
“U.S. consular officers will deny tourist visa applications if they believe the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for the child.”
NIS added that it is working closely with the U.S. Mission in Abuja to promote compliance and ensure Nigerians do not fall foul of immigration laws.
