FG LAUNCHES NEW VISA POLICY: Creates New Visa Categories For Ease Of Doing Business, Dual Citizens In Diaspora To Use Foreign Passport To Enter Nigeria
The Nigeria Federal Government has officially launched the Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP)2020. The Visa Policy which is coming on the heels of the signing of the African Continental Free trade agreement a treaty seeking to establish a continent-wide market place with increased trade and freer movement among its major Economic powers, has as its objective in strengthening Nigeria’s Position as a key economy in Africa by attracting more foreign direct investment into the country’s economy which will, in turn, provide jobs
. Briefing State House Correspondents after the launch at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa Abuja, Interior Minister Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola said operation of the new Visa Policy is cardinal to the ease of doing business in Nigeria and will further enhance The Nations security architecture and open Nigeria to more foreign business.
He added that the new visa policy which is also part of the economic recovery and growth plan (2017-2020) will boost Tourism, Aviation, entertainment, commerce and other areas where Nigeria has comparative Advantage over other African Countries.
According to the interior minister, the New Visa Policy will also present Nigeria with the opportunity to apply the principle of reciprocity with her visa policy in the Nation’s Bilateral and Multilateral Relations.
The policy also makes it possible for Nigerians in Diaspora with dual citizenship to be able to make use of the Passport of their adopted countries to visit Nigeria without the need for short stay Visa. Aregbesola assured Nigerians that the new visa Policy will not compromise National security in anyway as adequate control measures have been provided before and after entry into the country.
The statement reads in full :
PRESS RELEASE FG LAUNCHES NEW VISA POLICY:
Creates new visa categories for Ease of Doing Business
The Federal Government has officially launched the Nigerian Visa Policy (NVP) 2020. This enhanced visa policy by Nigeria, one of Africa’s key economies and demography, comes on the back of the signing of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, a treaty seeking to establish a continent-wide marketplace with increased trade and freer movement among its major economic powers. The objective of the reforms that have birthed NVP 2020 is to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a key economy in Africa by attracting more Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the country’s economy which would in turn provide jobs for the people and lift Nigeria’s teeming population out of poverty in line with the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari to take 100million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years.
NVP 2020 is also designed to support the attainment of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (2017 -2020) and is a pathway to achieving the Security, Economy and Transparency (SET) Agenda of the present Administration.
The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola while speaking at the launch of the NVP 2020 at the State House, Abuja on Tuesday 4th February 2020, stated that its operation is cardinal to the Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria. The new visa regime is expected to boost economic activities in the areas of tourism, aviation, entertainment, commerce and other areas where Nigeria has comparative advantage over other African countries. It also presents Nigeria with the opportunity to apply the principle of reciprocity with her visa policy in the nation’s bilateral and multilateral relations.
“The NVP 2020 introduces special visas for Nigerians in diaspora who either by birth, marriage or nationalization have assumed dual citizenship. Such category of Nigerians will now be able to make use of the passports of their adopted countries to visit Nigeria without the need for short stay visa”, he said. The Minister expressed the commitment of his Ministry to the implementation of the NPV 2020 in view of its supervisory role on the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola assured that the NIS would adhere to the published conditions of issuance of visas in a professional, timely and transparent manner. He assured that NIS would invest heavily in the training of the officers and men that will be charged with the responsibility of processing visas in all our visa issuing centers and passport control at our points of entry. The Minister emphasized that NIS would also work with all stakeholders within and outside Nigeria to ensure that the policy is not abused and the security of Nigeria and indeed other countries is not compromised.
“The implementation of the NVP 2020 will not compromise national security as adequate control measures have been provided both before and after entry into Nigeria”, the Minister stressed. While encouraging Nigerians in Diaspora to respect the provisions of the immigration laws of their new countries as well as those of Nigeria, the Minister congratulated the Nigeria Immigration Service for the landmark policy and also invited all prospective visitors, investors and residents to a new and refreshing experience in Nigeria and with Nigeria Immigration Service.
“The implementation of the NPV2020 will require collaboration with several MDAs involved in diplomacy, trade, investment, education, tourism, manufacturing, monetary policies, security, intelligence and many more”, the Minister reiterated.
Some of the features of NVP 2020 include, Visa On Arrival for African Union nationals, increase in the classes of visas from 6 to 75, creation of visa codes for all classes of visa and introduction of e-visas.
The benefits of the new NVP 2020 are many. It presents a good opportunity for Nigeria to be a major consideration for investment in Africa and hosting of international events particularly the ones scheduled to hold in Africa. It also serves as a major boost for Nigeria’s aviation, entertainment and tourism industries.
The new visa policy is expected to take Nigeria some steps up in the Africa Visa Openness Report published annually by the African Development Bank (AfDB) which would be a further boost on the global Ease Of Doing Business league table.
Mrs. Grace Njoku
Chief Information Officer
For: Director, Press and Public Relations
This's a good move. It will stop the immigration from throwing embarrassing questions or why you're not traveling with your Nigerian passport.To renew your green passport is a big deal in Nigeria and abroad.Now Nigeria is getting things done. Thanks to the federal government, thanks to PMB and thanks to Rauf.
Please note that other national passport holders who are Nigerians by birth still need to apply for Short Visit Visa (F9A) valid for 90 days and not eligible for employment. Although they will only pay 50% of the visa fee.
This policy change is not sufficient enough to attract foreign investors. If Nigerian is serious about this effort, it should start with curbing corruption, and security issues in Nigeria. No foreign iinvestor would be encouraged to invest where the necessary infrastructures, and the security of lives and properties are not guaranteed. Let's be serious.
Commendable especially as no fees attracted for dual citizen Naijas in diaspora. But fingers crossed it remains permanent visa/fee free & not for another govt to come in & scrap.
There is no explanation of the mechanics of the process. Is it as simple as the immigration officer stamping a Visa to the passport at the airport or demanding that the visitor drops off the passport at the airport and comeback for it at a later date? No visitor will be willing to drop his or her passport with anybody at the airport. Experience tells that even at the embassy people's passports get missing and no accountability. If visitors Visa is not stamped there and then then it is a ruse.
You are right. It should be stamped at the point of entry. Nobody with an iota of sense will be willing to drop their foreign passport with any Nigerian agency. Impossible.
Why do u people like to create problems where there's none the message is very clear, it says u can come in with ur adopted country visa its normal they will stamp u in and out so what else are u insinuating collecting ur passport or what at the point of entry haba!!.
The unveiling of the new visa policy will give more ease to visitors into the country with more visa categories introduced. It is also the FG purpose to encourage more investments in the country by implementing a simpler visa requirements.
Useless information no explanation on how this will work. You are not a Nigerian unless you apply to be a citizen of Nigeria, through whatever immigration process Reading from the above , none of this is mentioned in the article except for the headlines .If my name is Michael Johnson, holding a New Zealand passport. Born in Auckland by Nigerian parents. How is the immigration man at Abuja airport supposed to know that I'm a Nigerian.?
U have a different case man if you're a Nigeria by birth outside the country to prove you're a Nigeria u must be able to speak one of the major languages fluently or better still have ur Nigeria passport with u to prove is as simple as that.
Does this waiver apply to all Nigerians with dual citizenship from diaspora. Or could it just apply to Nigerians coming from African countries.And when will this waiver start. Pls help to clarify
That's a good point. A step guide as to how this is meant to work should be made available. Nigerian 'operatives' are known for taking advantage of unclear situations.
Going to Nigeria from the USA, you still need to hold a Nigerian passport if your blue American passport has no Nigerian Visa. Otherwise, you will have problem with the airlfters.
What if your name is not clearly Nigerian- David Johnson- but you’re dual citizen of UK and Naija? How do you prove that you’re a dual citizen if entering with another country’s passport?
My ancestry blood test says am 100% Nigerian, i'll like to visit Nigeria, how do i go about it what kind of visa do i apply for ?i cant trace any of my family back to Nigeria but im willing to visit Nigeria.
The ancestry blood test should give you a link to follow, like say you are from the north,east,west or south. Contact me and I will be your Nigeria brother abroad. We will see how to go about it.
Contact the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate of where you are.
They will be more than happy to give the most valuable advice on how to go about it.
They will almost instantly provide you with the places to visit first (though depending on your performance during the interview). As with every country, your profile determines what advice you will get.
It is okay, as diaspora Nigerians in New York already find it difficult to renew their passports in a timely manner. The Consulate in New York gives people Five months after their passports have expired to come for the interview; simply,the fact that we applied and paid the appropriate fee on time before our passports expired. This issue needs to be investigated. This scenario doesn't happen to other Countries. Why Nigeria Consulate in New York is making it difficult for Nigerians to renew their passports after compliance with rules and regulations posted on their website.
At last, this is a welcome development. Let's hope that it will be implemented and not abused by anyone. Our immigration officials @ the airport should be well educated enough so as not to embarrassed any true Nigerians coming back home. Finally, what about the issue of security?
I have written at length in agreement with what someone alludes to that this is all ":FAKE NEWS'"...
I then called myself "previewing"all that I have written; but alas, I lost it all. What a glitch! So, it makes me wonder if 'unfavorable' comments are not being 'rigged out' of publication, to cover up the corruption of "'pasport renewal,'" and/or "'visa issuance'" at the "Embassy of Nigeria, Washington, DC; "Nigeria Consulate, New York City; and Nigerian Consulate, Atlanta, Georgia!
Conspiracy Theory is not good way of evaluating things. Your system might have malfunctioned. The Nigerian authority do not control this medium.
However, be rest assured that the owners of this medium can refuse to publish your comment if it is deemed to be controversial as to cause upset and lead to litigation.
Of course you must have established your dual citizenship first before being granted visa free access to Nigeria. The question then is - how or what document does a dual citizen need to obtain other than a birth certificate that establishes place of birth or parentage? I think giving dual citizens a permanent (non-renewable) card would solve this problem. If they make it renewable, then we are back to square one. We might as well continue to carry and renew our Nigerian passports.
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Thanks a lot for sharing such a wealth of information! So appreciate ways you have shared to do this with the good guidelines.The foreign travelers who want to travel in turkey and want to apply for turkey visa by submitting the online documents and filling the Turkish visa online form and visit the turkey places from the us and get the visa to Turkey from USA by make the trip memorables and get the valid evisa.
Nicw artilce.. Thank you for this work.. After the applying for application and uploading documents for Azerbaijan visa, you have to make payment for Azerbaijan visa fee online with the payment card.
I think this is very important information for me. And I am satisfied to read your article. Apply Kenyan visa. You can proceed with the kenyan evisa application by providing the requested information.
This's a good move. It will stop the immigration from throwing embarrassing questions or why you're not traveling with your Nigerian passport.To renew your green passport is a big deal in Nigeria and abroad.Now Nigeria is getting things done. Thanks to the federal government, thanks to PMB and thanks to Rauf.
ReplyDeletePlease note that other national passport holders who are Nigerians by birth still need to apply for Short Visit Visa (F9A) valid for 90 days and not eligible for employment. Although they will only pay 50% of the visa fee.
ReplyDeleteThat's not what the statement said or is this your own interpretation
DeleteYou certainly read another communique..
DeleteThis policy change is not sufficient enough to attract foreign investors. If Nigerian is serious about this effort, it should start with curbing corruption, and security issues in Nigeria. No foreign iinvestor would be encouraged to invest where the necessary infrastructures, and the security of lives and properties are not guaranteed. Let's be serious.
DeleteThis new visa policy is a big deal for us Nigerian living abroad and it will transform Nigeria to a greater height. God Bless Nigeria.
ReplyDeleteThis is a good development. Thank you very much Mr. President for approving this. God Bless Nigeria.
ReplyDeleteCommendable especially as no fees attracted for dual citizen Naijas in diaspora. But fingers crossed it remains permanent visa/fee free & not for another govt to come in & scrap.
ReplyDeleteThis a great one on a right direction a specially in the area of security. God will see Nigeria through.
ReplyDeleteThis is my story copied from www.bentelevision.com. I am not against story but the source should be acknowledge. This plagiarism
ReplyDeleteThere is no explanation of the mechanics of the process. Is it as simple as the immigration officer stamping a Visa to the passport at the airport or demanding that the visitor drops off the passport at the airport and comeback for it at a later date? No visitor will be willing to drop his or her passport with anybody at the airport. Experience tells that even at the embassy people's passports get missing and no accountability. If visitors Visa is not stamped there and then then it is a ruse.
ReplyDeleteYou are right. It should be stamped at the point of entry. Nobody with an iota of sense will be willing to drop their foreign passport with any Nigerian agency. Impossible.
DeleteWhy do u people like to create problems where there's none the message is very clear, it says u can come in with ur adopted country visa its normal they will stamp u in and out so what else are u insinuating collecting ur passport or what at the point of entry haba!!.
DeleteThe unveiling of the new visa policy will give more ease to visitors into the country with more visa categories introduced. It is also the FG purpose to encourage more investments in the country by implementing a simpler visa requirements.
ReplyDeleteOs this really true.... ?
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteUseless information no explanation on how this will work. You are not a Nigerian unless you apply to be a citizen of Nigeria, through whatever immigration process Reading from the above , none of this is mentioned in the article except for the headlines .If my name is Michael Johnson, holding a New Zealand passport. Born in Auckland by Nigerian parents. How is the immigration man at Abuja airport supposed to know that I'm a Nigerian.?
ReplyDeleteYou are not actually a nigerian unless you apply for it.
DeleteSo true as one would apply to be an American.
DeleteU have a different case man if you're a Nigeria by birth outside the country to prove you're a Nigeria u must be able to speak one of the major languages fluently or better still have ur Nigeria passport with u to prove is as simple as that.
DeleteYou need Nigerian passport to support your Zealand passport
Delete@RYT, I thought the same thing before reading your post. All the same let's all see what the true outcome of this is and hope for the best.
DeleteOverall, this is a welcome development, but fingers crossed on how it would go smoothly as it sounds on the paper
ReplyDeleteDoes this waiver apply to all Nigerians with dual citizenship from diaspora. Or could it just apply to Nigerians coming from African countries.And when will this waiver start. Pls help to clarify
ReplyDeleteFake news...
ReplyDeleteThat's a good point. A step guide as to how this is meant to work should be made available. Nigerian 'operatives' are known for taking advantage of unclear situations.
ReplyDeleteNot clear. Does any Nigerian citizen and also a nationalized American citizen need a Visa to come to Nigeria ?
ReplyDeleteGoing to Nigeria from the USA, you still need to hold a Nigerian passport if your blue American passport has no Nigerian Visa. Otherwise, you will have problem with the airlfters.
ReplyDeleteWhat if my Nigerian passport expired but my UK passport is valid can I still travel to Nigeria with visa free
ReplyDeleteYes you can still enter nigeria even if it get lost,just show a photocopy of data page
Delete
ReplyDeleteWhat if your name is not clearly Nigerian- David Johnson- but you’re dual citizen of UK and Naija?
How do you prove that you’re a dual citizen if entering with another country’s passport?
You must have documentation to support your claim - Period.
DeleteName alone does not identify nationality. Remember names in Nigeria such as Bank Anthony, Taslim Elias, Ovie-Whiskey, Tiwa Savage ETC
Furthermore, you have names such as Emmanuel ADEBAYO from Togo but the surname qualifies him to be called an Egbaa man or Ijebu-Igbo in Ogun State.
Simply put: HAVE DOCUMENTATION.
My ancestry blood test says am 100% Nigerian, i'll like to visit Nigeria, how do i go about it what kind of visa do i apply for ?i cant trace any of my family back to Nigeria but im willing to visit Nigeria.
ReplyDeleteThe ancestry blood test should give you a link to follow, like say you are from the north,east,west or south. Contact me and I will be your Nigeria brother abroad. We will see how to go about it.
DeleteContact the Nigerian Embassy or Consulate of where you are.
DeleteThey will be more than happy to give the most valuable advice on how to go about it.
They will almost instantly provide you with the places to visit first (though depending on your performance during the interview). As with every country, your profile determines what advice you will get.
Goto nigerian embassy and establish that,they ll advice you better
ReplyDeleteIt is okay, as diaspora Nigerians in New York already find it difficult to renew their passports in a timely manner. The Consulate in New York gives people Five months after their passports have expired to come for the interview; simply,the fact that we applied and paid the appropriate fee on time before our passports expired.
ReplyDeleteThis issue needs to be investigated. This scenario doesn't happen to other Countries. Why Nigeria Consulate in New York is making it difficult for Nigerians to renew their passports after compliance with rules and regulations posted on their website.
At last, this is a welcome development. Let's hope that it will be implemented and not abused by anyone. Our immigration officials @ the airport should be well educated enough so as not to embarrassed any true Nigerians coming back home. Finally, what about the issue of security?
ReplyDeleteThat is why you need to have both a Nigeria passport and that of UK at the point of entry
ReplyDeleteGradually immigration to Nigeria work and live in Nigeria
ReplyDeleteVery soon
Thanks
Mr President
Mr Aregbesola
Mrs Njoku
God bless Nigeria
$20=1naira
ReplyDeleteCentral Bank of Nigeria you have work to do for Nigeria
Thanks
I have written at length in agreement with what someone alludes to that this is all ":FAKE NEWS'"...
ReplyDeleteI then called myself "previewing"all that I have written; but alas, I lost it all. What a glitch! So, it makes me wonder if 'unfavorable' comments are not being 'rigged out' of publication, to cover up the corruption of "'pasport renewal,'" and/or "'visa issuance'" at the "Embassy of Nigeria, Washington, DC; "Nigeria Consulate, New York City; and Nigerian Consulate, Atlanta, Georgia!
Conspiracy Theory is not good way of evaluating things. Your system might have malfunctioned. The Nigerian authority do not control this medium.
DeleteHowever, be rest assured that the owners of this medium can refuse to publish your comment if it is deemed to be controversial as to cause upset and lead to litigation.
How are they supposed to know that Anthony Joshua is a Nigerian boy? Hahaha
ReplyDeleteOf course you must have established your dual citizenship first before being granted visa free access to Nigeria. The question then is - how or what document does a dual citizen need to obtain other than a birth certificate that establishes place of birth or parentage? I think giving dual citizens a permanent (non-renewable) card would solve this problem. If they make it renewable, then we are back to square one. We might as well continue to carry and renew our Nigerian passports.
ReplyDeleteIs it going to be a set fee, or the immigration are going to be charging whatever they want.
ReplyDelete.
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ReplyDeleteThanks a lot for sharing such a wealth of information! So appreciate ways you have shared to do this with the good guidelines.The foreign travelers who want to travel in turkey and want to apply for turkey visa by submitting the online documents and filling the Turkish visa online form and visit the turkey places from the us and get the visa to Turkey from USA by make the trip memorables and get the valid evisa.
ReplyDeleteNicw artilce.. Thank you for this work.. After the applying for application and uploading documents for Azerbaijan visa, you have to make payment for Azerbaijan visa fee online with the payment card.
ReplyDeleteI think this is very important information for me. And I am satisfied to read your article. Apply Kenyan visa. You can proceed with the kenyan evisa application by providing the requested information.
ReplyDeletenice article . its such a impressive content
ReplyDelete