The federal government has said it is currently in talks with the relevant authorities in both the United States and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to address recent changes in visa policies that impact Nigerian citizens.
On July 8, the US introduced a new visa regulation that limits the duration of most non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas — including tourist, business, and student visas — for Nigerians to just three months.
Under the new rules, these visas are now restricted to single-entry, meaning applicants must apply for a new visa each time they wish to travel to the US.
In a statement released on Monday, Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser on information and strategy to President Bola Tinubu, said the federal government is working through proper and diplomatic means to resolve the concerns raised.
“The United States Government has officially communicated that its decision was based on two principal factors: the current rate of visa overstays by Nigerian nationals and the need for reliable access to their records,” the statement reads.
“It further explained that the visa policy adjustment is part of its global visa reciprocity process, which is routinely reviewed and subject to change, including the number of permitted entries and validity durations.”
President Tinubu has also instructed all federal agencies to comply with international responsibilities and improve collaboration with foreign nations regarding identity verification and sharing of records.
“In response, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed all federal agencies to ensure full compliance with Nigeria’s international obligations and to strengthen inter-governmental cooperation in authenticating the identities of individuals seeking consular services abroad,” the statement reads.
“The President calls on all Nigerians to respect the immigration regulations of their host countries and to uphold the integrity of the permits and privileges granted to them under the laws of those jurisdictions.”
The statement also mentioned that the federal government has not yet received any official correspondence from the UAE about alleged new travel restrictions for Nigerian citizens.
However, the president acknowledged that visa applications by Nigerians appear to be “progressing in a gradual and orderly manner”.
“Regarding the new conditions for issuing UAE transit visas to Nigerian nationals, the Federal Government notes that it has not received any formal communication from the UAE authorities regarding a revised visa policy,” 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 President assures all Nigerians that his administration will continue to pursue the best possible outcomes for citizens abroad, ensuring that Nigerians can travel, work, and live with dignity and respect in any part of the world, in line with the Tinubu administration’s 4-D Foreign Policy agenda and its Diaspora plank.”
The federal government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with both the United States and the United Arab Emirates.