By Ken Chiwendu
In a post Friday on X, the Mission said its new visa policy is not linked to association to BRICS or third – countries deportees as misconceived but rather a part of ongoing global review to safeguard US immigration systems
‘The U.S. Mission Nigeria wishes to address misconceptions about the recent reduction in visa validity for most nonimmigrant U.S. visas in Nigeria and other countries. This reduction is not the result of any nation’s stance on third-country deportees, introduction of e-visa policies, or affiliations with groups like BRICS. The reduction in validity is part of an ongoing global review of the use of U.S. visas by other countries using technical and security benchmarks to safeguard U.S. immigration systems. We value our longstanding partnership with Nigeria and remain committed to working closely with the Nigerian public and government officials to help them meet those criteria and benchmarks, thereby ensuring safe, lawful, and mutually beneficial travel between our nations.’ The statement added.
The clarification comes amid statements credited to some Nigerians including Yusuf Tuggar,the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Tuggar linking US visa reduction for Nigeria to participation in the BRICS meeting . However, Tuggar went further to say that Nigeria’s refusal to accept US offer of deporting Venezuelan prisoners into the country could be another reason.
‘ The issue of tariffs may not necessarily have to do with us participating in the BRICS meeting.
‘ You have to also bear in mind that the US is mounting considerable pressure on African countries to accept Venezuelans to be deported from the US, some straight out of prisons
” It would be difficult for countries like Nigeria to accept Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria
We have enough problems of our own, we cannot accept Venezuelan deportees to Nigeria. We already have 230 million people ” Tuggar said on Channels TV programme on Thursday evening
The US Department of State during the week announced a revised Visa Reciprocity Policy for Nigeria.
The new policy reduces the non- immigrant and non- diplomatic visas to single+entry with a three three month validity period giving reasons as visa overstay management and secure travel documents to protect public safety .
