By IDNN Foreign Affairs Unit
Nigeria is pushing back against a wave of new, tougher visa restrictions imposed by the United States and United Arab Emirates, describing the measures as “disproportionate” and misaligned with the spirit of mutual diplomacy.
The U.S. Embassy in Abuja announced that starting July 8, 2025, non-immigrant visas—including tourist, student, and exchange categories—would be valid for only three months, and limited to a single entry for Nigerian applicants.
This marks a dramatic shift from previous five-year, multiple-entry options.
Simultaneously, the UAE imposed new hurdles, outright banning transit visa applications from Nigerian nationals and requiring citizens aged 45 and above to submit personal bank statements showing a monthly balance of $10,000 before even qualifying for tourist visas. Those between 18 and 45 are barred entirely unless accompanied.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded swiftly, issuing a statement urging the U.S. to “reconsider this decision in the spirit of partnership and shared global responsibilities.”
“This policy appears misaligned with the principles of reciprocity, equity, and mutual respect that should guide bilateral relations between friendly nations,” said Ministry Spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa.
The FG acknowledged America’s sovereign right to set immigration policy but warned that such decisions carry diplomatic consequences, especially for a key African partner with decades of people-to-people ties and shared security concerns.
⚖️ US Explains Its Move, FG Demands Fairness
The U.S. Department of State described the decision as part of a “global visa reciprocity realignment,” claiming the shorter validity reflects what Nigerian authorities offer American citizens.
However, FG officials argue that such reasoning ignores other strategic interests—particularly education, healthcare, business, and cultural exchange, where Nigerian travelers significantly contribute to U.S. institutions.
A meeting between Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills Jr. has already taken place, with the Nigerian delegation calling for stronger collaboration rather than what many view as a diplomatic cold shoulder.
“Our government is committed to ensuring secure travel documentation, managing overstays, and improving identity verification. But this restriction undermines bilateral trust,” Tunji-Ojo told journalists after the closed-door session.
UAE Demands $10,000 Bank Proof for Nigerians
Meanwhile, new guidelines from Dubai Immigration have effectively frozen access to tourist visas for millions of Nigerians.
Applicants aged 18–45 years traveling alone are now ineligible, while older applicants must provide a personal six-month bank statement proving at least $10,000 monthly balance.
Industry watchers say this move will decimate Nigerian tourism and business traffic to the Emirates — a region once hailed as a top Nigerian travel hub.
Travel agents in Lagos and Abuja expressed shock, saying the new directive blindsided the entire industry.
“This will kill 80% of our Dubai-bound traffic. It’s not even a slow burn—it’s a freeze,” one agent told IDNN.
Political Fallout and Strategic Concerns
Opposition leaders have pounced on the visa restrictions, blaming the Tinubu administration for failing to fix Nigeria’s image and economic fundamentals.
“Every country is progressing, but Nigeria is stuck—regressing even. Our people are fleeing en masse. It’s the ‘Japa’ syndrome born of government failure,” said Labour Party’s Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi.
Others, like NNPP spokesman Ladipo Johnson, see it as a “diplomatic wake-up call” warning that Nigeria must urgently reset its global relations strategy.
Diplomatic analyst Charles Onunaiju told IDNN that the FG should focus less on reactive press statements and more on diversifying alliances beyond the Western bloc.
“Rather than chasing parity with Washington, Nigeria should consolidate alternative strategic partnerships. This isn’t just a visa issue—it’s a signal,” he said.
What’s Next?
The FG says diplomatic engagement is ongoing, with plans to review Nigeria’s own visa reciprocity schedule.
Meanwhile, critics warn that if Nigeria does not address insecurity, economic decay, and passport fraud, its citizens will continue to suffer global travel discrimination.
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