FG to Impose £20,000 Visa-Bond On UK Visitors – Ambassador Ashiru

Posted by admin Africa & World Politics, Latest Politics, National Politics, Top Stories Tuesday, June 25th, 2013

Indications emerged yesterday that Nigeria would impose a £20,000 visa bond on UK visitors if a planned £3000 bond on Nigeria pushes through. 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.

Amb-Olugbenga-Ashiru

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 inNovember.

“Really, we have received no official communication from theUK government.

“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.’’

The House of Representatives Foreign Affairs committee kicked against the policy. Chair of theDiaspora Committee Abike Dabiri –Erewa asked Nigeria to adopt the principle of reciprocity if the UK insists onthe visa bond from Nigerians traveling to Britain. She suggested a N5million bond for any Briton seeking Nigerian visa as a visitor.

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee onForeign Affairs, Ms. Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje described the visa bond as discriminatory and unacceptable. She said the House of Representativeswould 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, lettheir 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.

wp_posts