New UK visa policy: Any cause for alarm?

Posted by admin Africa & World Politics, Headlines Sunday, June 30th, 2013

By Nnamdi Ojiego

Nigerians from all walks of life have continued to react to the introduction of a new visa policy by the British government, with many describing it as discriminatory and unacceptable.

The policy requires Nigerians travelling to the United Kingdom to produce a cash bond of N730,000 (3,000 pounds, $4,600 or 3,500 euros) before they enter the UK, as they were among country nationals deemed to pose a “high risk” of immigration abuse.

The Presidency and the National Assembly have also reacted.Yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru, assured all Nigerians that “the Jonathan government will defend the interest of Nigerians by whatever means we can. So, when we get their proposal, we will study it and we will see how we can guide the ordinary Nigerians,” Ashiru said.

Also, House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, has also condemned the new British visa policy, saying it is discriminatory and unacceptable.

Chairman of the committee, Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje, in a statement issued in Abuja, said such policy was not in the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.

“This is totally discriminatory and unacceptable. It is targeted at non-white Commonwealth”, she said.

What is your take on this latest development? Do you agree with Ukeje that the new UK visa policy is discriminatory? Should the federal government come up with a counter policy? Will it curtail the influx of Nigerians to the UK?

Do have your say!wp_posts