US Issues Visa Ban On Nigerians Of Certain Conduct

A visa ban has been announced by the US government for Nigerians who are alleged to be undermining democracy.

Although the names of those who would be affected by the restriction won’t be made public, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on Wednesday, January 25, that the move is nonetheless a part of efforts to advance democracy and combat corruption in Nigeria.

Blinken added that the families of people who are prohibited from entering the US might also be subject to the same ban.

The statement read: ”We are committed to supporting and advancing democracy in Nigeria and around the world. Today, I am announcing visa restrictions on specific individuals in Nigeria for undermining the democratic process in a recent Nigerian election.

‘’Under Section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, these individuals will be found ineligible for visas to the United States under a policy to restrict visas of those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Nigeria.

‘’Certain family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions. Additional persons who undermine the democratic process in Nigeria—including in the lead-up to, during, and following Nigeria’s 2023 elections—may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy.

‘’The visa restrictions announced today are specific to certain individuals and are not directed at the Nigerian people or the Government of Nigeria. The decision to impose visa restrictions reflects the commitment of the United States to support Nigerian aspirations to combat corruption and strengthen democracy and the rule of law.”

Nigeria also received a visa ban from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in October 2022.

The immigration officials of UAE announced a restriction on visa requests for 20 African nations, including Nigeria.

The notice read, “This is to inform you that we will not be posting 30 days visa applications for these nationalities effective today, October 18, 2022.

“Countries affected by the visa ban include; Ghana, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Cameroon, Nigeria, Liberia, Burundi, Republic of Guinea, Gambia, Togo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Benin, Ivory Coast, Congo, Rwanda, Burkina Faso, Guinea Bissau, Comoros and Dominican Republic.

“Any applications from the above-mentioned countries will be sent back or cancelled.”