FG to impose £20,000 (N5m) visa-bond on UK visitors
Minister of Foreign Affairs Olugbenga Ashiru said yesterday that the Federal Government will defend the interest of Nigerians on consular related issues with foreign countries.
Ashiru spoke in Abuja following a proposal by the United Kingdom to introduce a bond of 3,000 pounds (N750,000) for intending visitors from Nigeria and five other countries.
Speaking at the 2013 Ministerial Platform, Ashiru reiterated that the UK government was yet to officially notify Nigeria on the proposal scheduled to start in November.
"Really, we have received no official communication from the UK government.The House of Representatives Foreign Affairs committee kicked against the policy; Chair of the Diaspora Committee Abike Dabiri –Erewa asked Nigeria to adopt the principle of reciprocity if the UK insists on the visa bond from Nigerians traveling to Britain. She suggested a N5million bond for any Briton seeking Nigerian visa as a visitor.
"When we receive communication from them, we will study whatever proposal they are trying to do but I canassure all Nigerians that President Jonathan’s government will defend the interest of Nigerians by whatever means it can."
Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Ms. Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje described the visa bond as discriminatory and unacceptable. She said the House of Representatives would take a critical look at the policy as it affects Nigerians and come up with a way forward.
Dabiri-Erewa said: “Nigeria should adopt the principle of reciprocity. If they ask us to pay £3,000, let their citizens also pay N5million visa bond.
“This is a discriminatory policy and it is unacceptable. Do not forget that we are a member of the Commonwealth, what are we going to enjoy if they could impose such a discriminatory policy?
“I am quite sure that France will not impose visa bond on their former colonies. The UK Government should reverse itor else we should pay them back in equal measure.
“The Federal Government should not allow the situation to lie low; it should reject it and make it reciprocal.
“When South Africa said we should be paying N100,000 visa bond and we reciprocated, it quickly stopped the policy.
“If Nigerian and Indian doctors withdraw their services in the UK, their health sector will collapse.
I like this. FGggggggg! I hail!
ReplyDeleteBetter, what is there that is not in my country. To hell with their visas. But they av good leaders which we dont av in Nigeria, Nigerians our leaders are threeee bad, they are all theives frm president to supo.
ReplyDeleteWithout the free money coming from her former colonies, UK will probably be at par with countries like Poland economically, and Nigeria is a major contributor of cheap funds brought in by corrupt government officials and their families and cronies. This might do us some good if it will help to stem the tide of Nigerians flocking to the UK. Nigerians are already fleeced off hard earned cash in a bizzare arrangement where applicants are forced to pay for visa fees before they are interviewed thereby making most of the(over 90% of them are refused visas) without getting visas. This is reprehensible and an unacceptable and contemptious way of treating friends
ReplyDeletehow many brits come for medical check ups in Nigeria? let's stop fooling our selfs and look for solution.
ReplyDeleteWho is fooling who????
ReplyDelete~ we don dey get sense... lolzz
ReplyDelete