The Federal Government has summoned the Charge’ D’ Affairs of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, Zhao Yong, to provide explanations on the temporary visa restrictions imposed by his country on Nigerians over the Covid-19 pandemic.
A statement issued on Saturday by the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ferdinand Nwonye, noted that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, invited Yong to provide clarification on how the new Chinese visa restrictions affect Nigerians.
During the meeting with the Minister, the Chinese envoy subsequently explained that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, China has decided to temporarily suspend entry into China by non-Chinese nationals in Nigeria holding valid visas or residence permits, effective from November 3, 2020.
He added that the Chinese Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria will no longer issue Certified Health Declaration Form for the above-mentioned.
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Yong said, “Entry by holders of diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visas (issued for foreign crew members) will not be affected. Foreign nationals visiting China for emergency needs may apply for visa at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate. Entry by non-Chinese nationals in Nigeria with visas issued after November 3rd, 2020 will not be affected.
“The suspension is a temporary response necessitated by the current situation of COVID-19. The above-mentioned measures will be assessed in accordance with the evolving situation and any adjustment will be notified accordingly.”
Responding, the minister noted that the government will continue to engage the Chinese Government on the issue and keep Nigerians informed.
The Chinese Government had on November 5 issued a statement saying it has temporarily suspended the issuance of visas and residence permit to Nigerians and other non-Chinese nationals, which included nationals of the United Kingdom, Belgium, Luxembourg, Philippines, among others due to the evaluation of the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic in the said countries.
