Federal government on Saturday said it has set up a committee headed by Interior Minister, Rauf Aregbesola to “ Study and Address” the issues raised in the updated security requirements raised by the United State’s government leading to the imposition of Visa restrictions on Nigeria.
Presidency, in a swift reaction to the restriction, said “Nigeria remains committed to maintaining productive relations with the United States and its international allies especially on matters of global security.
“Accordingly, President Muhammadu Buhari has 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”
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The statement which was signed by Presidential Spokesman, Femi Adesina, Presidency noted that “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”
The statement added that “ This resulted in certain enhancements on how information is shared between Nigeria and the U.S.”
Nigeria, with over 8018 immigrants visa in 2028, account for the most immigration to the US, according to statistics from the State Department
The measure which was announced on Friday by the American government, revealed that Sudanese and Tanzanian nationals will no longer be allowed to apply for “diversity visas,” which are available by lottery for applicants from countries with low rates of immigration to the US.
The American Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Chad Wolf, however, stated that the restrictions will not affect non-immigrant visas given to people for temporary stays – including visitors, those doing business or people seeking medical treatment
The restriction lumps Nigeria with nation’s like Kyrgyzstan and Sudan that have large Muslim majorities, even though about 50 per cent of people in Nigeria and Eritrea are Muslim.
“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 statement added.
