The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru has stated that Nigeria has not received any communication on the plan by the British government to introduce £3,000 (about N750,000) fee as visa bond from visitors from Nigeria. The Sunday Times reported that the Conservative government is planning to implement a pilot scheme that would target visitors from Nigeria, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Pakistan and India from November.
The countries are considered as high risk of immigration abuse in the United Kingdom. The Minister, who spoke at a news conference in Abuja on Monday, assured that when received, the proposed visa policy will be carefully studied to protect the interest of Nigerian citizens. “Really, we have received no official communication from the U.K. government,” he said. “When we receive communication from them, we will study whatever proposal they are trying to do but I can assure all Nigerians that President Jonathan’s government will defend the interest of Nigerians by whatever means it can.’’
Uk’s Home Secretary; Theresa May said the David Cameron administration is serious about cutting immigration and abuses of the system. Visitors from 18 years of age and over would be compelled to hand over £3,000 from November for a six-month visit visa. They will forfeit the money if they overstay in Britain after their visa has expired.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the comment writers alone and does not reflect or represent the views of Uyi Ehigie.