The Federal Authorities has vowed to impose reciprocal measures on Americans looking for entry into Nigeria, following the introduction of a brand new set of stringent visa guidelines by the US.
Reacting to the event, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of International Affairs, confirmed that Nigeria had been briefed forward of the announcement by the US Mission in Abuja.
The Ministry mentioned whereas the brand new coverage was anticipated, Nigeria wouldn’t hesitate to reply in variety.
“We’re conscious of the event. It’s a part of the brand new measures they knowledgeable us prior to now.
“On issues of this nature, the most effective we are able to do is to hold out reciprocal motion. Some individuals from the US may need to apply for a visa, and we’ll undertake the identical measures,” the assertion reads.
He defined that the federal government would convene an inter-agency assembly involving the Ministry of International Affairs, the Ministry of Inside, and the Nationwide Intelligence Company (NIA) to find out the nation’s coordinated response.
Learn additionally: U.S. Mission in Nigeria mandates visa applicants to disclose five-year social media activity
“The stakeholders concerned could have a gathering and agree on our greatest approach to answer it holistically,” it added.
The US, beneath President Donald Trump’s administration, in current months tightened its immigration insurance policies towards Nigerians, limiting most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas to single-entry permits legitimate for simply three months.
The US State Division justified the transfer as a part of a worldwide visa reciprocity course of, geared toward guaranteeing “the integrity of US immigration programs.”
As a part of the newest modifications, visa candidates are actually required to reveal intensive private info, together with all social media handles, e mail addresses, usernames, and phone numbers they’ve used over the previous 5 years.
The Mission warned that failure to offer correct info might result in denial of visas or ineligibility for future functions.
“The regulation is a part of efforts by the Trump administration to make sure nationwide safety,” the Mission mentioned, noting that the requirement covers each platform, software, and on-line supplier utilized by candidates for communication and networking.
As well as, the US Citizenship and Immigration Companies (USCIS) has launched a brand new “Good Ethical Character” coverage that calls for a stricter overview of naturalisation candidates.
Immigration officers are actually anticipated to evaluate not simply felony data but in addition candidates’ on a regular basis conduct, neighborhood contributions, employment file, and tax compliance earlier than approving citizenship.
