Nigeria to Revamp Immigration and Visa Policy to Meet Global Standards

The Ministry of Interior in Nigeria has unveiled plans to review the nation’s immigration and visa policy in an effort to align it with global standards. This announcement was made by the Federal Minister of Interior, Olubumi Tunji-Ojo, during a courtesy visit by the Chairman and Management of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) to his office in Abuja.

The minister emphasized that, with the support of key stakeholders, the ministry aims to update the immigration and visa policy to accommodate current realities and simplify immigration processes for both Nigerians in Nigeria and those residing in the diaspora.

Here’s what you can expect from this policy review:

1. Reciprocity Principle: The minister mentioned that the review will be based on the principle of reciprocity as defined in international law. In essence, any country that grants Nigerians visas on arrival will receive the same treatment for its citizens visiting Nigeria.
2. Balancing Economic and Security Interests: The review will take into account the reasons people visit Nigeria, whether for tourism or work. The minister highlighted the need to balance economic interests with national security concerns. For tourists, expedited visa processing is on the agenda, but for those coming to work, security and background checks will be carried out diligently.

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1. Diaspora Consideration: The review will also consider the financial aspects of visa applications for Nigerians in the diaspora, potentially making the process more affordable.
2. Enhancing Passport Services Abroad: The ministry also has plans to improve passport services for Nigerians living in the United Kingdom. This includes increasing the number of passport printing machines from two to four in London to accommodate the growing demand for passports among Nigerians in the UK.

The policy review aims to bring Nigeria’s immigration and visa processes in line with international standards while ensuring the security of the nation. It reflects the government’s commitment to making immigration more accessible and efficient for Nigerians and visitors alike.

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