Immigrant Visa Restriction: Nigeria Remains Committed to Maintaining Productive Relations With US – FG

The Federal Government has said that Nigeria remains committed to maintaining productive relations with the United States.

This is coming on the heel of a temporary Visa restriction placed on Nigeria by the U.S. authorities.

Special Adviser to the President, on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina in a statement released in Abuja today said the restriction is the suspension of the issuance of “immigrant visas” to Nigerian passport holders only.

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“On 31st January 2020, the United States (U.S.) Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced temporary travel restrictions on six (6) countries, including Nigeria.

“For Nigeria, the restriction is the suspension of the issuance of “immigrant visas” to Nigerian passport holders only. This suspension shall come into effect on 21st February 2020. The suspension does not apply to other U.S. visas such as those for official, business, tourism, and student travel.

“The DHS states the suspension of “immigrant visas” became necessary following a review and update of the methodology (performance metrics) adopted by the U.S. Government to assess compliance of certain security criteria by foreign governments. This resulted in certain enhancements on how information is shared between Nigeria and the U.S.”

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The statement further stated that Nigeria would maintain productive relations with the United States and its international allies, especially on matters of global security as President Muhammadu Buhari had already established a committee, to be chaired by the Hon. Minister of Interior, to study and address the updated U.S. requirements.

“The committee will work with the U.S. Government, INTERPOL, and other stakeholders to ensure all updates are properly implemented.”