The United States Mission in Nigeria on Friday clarified that the decision to reduce visa validity for Nigerian applicants was not a retaliatory measure. The embassy stated that the policy change is part of a global visa review aimed at strengthening US immigration security.
US Clarifies Reason Behind Shortened Visa Validity
The US Embassy in Nigeria has made it clear that its recent decision to reduce the duration of Nigerian visas is unrelated to the foreign policy or acts of the nation. The embassy claims that Nigeria's stances on global matters, such as its BRICS membership, the deportation of Venezuelans, or its e-visa changes, had no bearing on this move.
The US Mission claimed the adjustment is based on international technical and security standards in a statement published on X (previously Twitter).
"We cherish our longstanding partnership with Nigeria and are dedicated 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 Embassy of Nigeria said.
Under the revised policy, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians are now limited to a three-month single-entry, significantly shorter than the previous durations.
Not Linked to Deportation of Venezuelans
The embassy emphasised that its decision had no relation to Nigeria's refusal to accept deportees from the United States, particularly Venezuelan nationals. This clarification follows speculation that the US move was a response to Nigeria's refusal to host deported inmates of Venezuelan origin.
Nigerian Government Rejects Visa Cut Justification
Reacting to the development, Nigerian authorities criticised the US decision and dismissed the claim of reciprocity. According to a statement from the presidency, the new visa policy does not align with Nigeria's current treatment of US citizens.
Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, addressed the issue during an interview on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television. He denied that the reduced visa validity was related to any deportation dispute.
Accepting Venezuelan inmates into Nigeria will be challenging for a nation like ours. We already have enough issues," Tuggar stated.
"For heaven's sake, we cannot allow Venezuelans to be deported to Nigeria. There are 230 million individuals here already. If we agree to the importation of Venezuelans from US prisons, you will be the same individuals who condemn us," he added.
Global Standards, Not Targeted Action, Are Reflected in Policy
The US government insists that the visa change is a part of a larger study that applies to other nations, despite political conjecture and public outrage. The goal of the strategy, according to US immigration officials, is to establish uniformity and guarantee that the granting of visas matches changing international standards for eligibility and security.
Though diplomatic talks between the two countries are expected to continue, there is currently no indication that the policy will change.
What are your thoughts on the decision made by the U.S. government? Does Nigeria have the right to oppose it? Please leave a comment below with your opinions. If this story matters to you or someone you know, consider reposting it.
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