The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, has explained that the new United States visa policy aims to address what he referred to as “security vulnerabilities,” adding that, contrary to some perceptions in certain quarters, it was not targeted at Nigerians.
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Recall that the US recently implemented changes to its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigerian citizens, including a reduction in the validity period for some visas. Specifically, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians will now be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period. This change is part of a reciprocal policy, meaning it adjusts based on visa reciprocity with other countries.
Ambassador Mills, speaking during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, in Abuja on Friday, said the steps taken so far were in response to the new U.S. administration’s view that “we needed more rigorous processing overseas of visa applicants and that we needed to address some of the security vulnerabilities that we saw in our visa processing.”
He said the new measures were designed to protect the integrity of the United States Immigration Service, safeguard U.S. security, and ensure that entry and exit from the country are secured.
He appealed to Nigeria’s US visa applicants to follow the rules set out in the new application policy, adding that compliance is necessary.
The US Ambassador’s visit was a reciprocation of an earlier courtesy visit by the Nigerian Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
“Actually, let me begin by saying how pleased we are with the cooperation we’ve received from the National Orientation Agency, the Nigerian Customs Service, the Nigerian Immigration Service, and even a statement that President Tinubu himself issued through the villa, which I think lays out the guidelines and regulations for our visa compliance.
“I think checking those messages will give Nigerians the basic information they need. If you have any questions about our visa regulations or policies, don’t hesitate to visit our website at the US Embassy, where you can access our consular portal.”
Continuing, Ambassador Mills explained that the new US visa rules were designed to protect the integrity of the US Immigration Service, protect US security, and ensure that entry and exit from the country are under control.
He added: “We want to be able to track who is in and who is out, and make sure that anyone stays legally in the country.
“I think, as I mentioned before, this is a basic obligation of any national government. The steps we’ve taken are in response to the new U.S. Administration’s view that we needed more rigorous processing overseas of visa applicants and needed to address some of the security vulnerabilities we observed in our visa processing.
“But what Nigerian citizens need to know is that the primary responsibility when receiving a visa is not to violate its terms. Don’t stay beyond the time you’re admitted when you arrive in the United States. Overstaying can result in deportation and a lifetime ban on future travel to the United States, which we do not want Nigerian citizens to face.
“We want to ensure that the people from Nigeria we welcome to the United States are indeed those who should come. That requires more information and access to criminal records here in Nigeria.”
According to him, the “Nigerian government is working to find a mechanism so that we can have a better understanding of who’s before us when they apply for a visa.”
“Security vetting doesn’t end when you reach the United States. This applies to anyone in the world.
“U.S. immigration authorities constantly monitor the activities of visa holders. If someone breaks our laws or gets arrested, visas can be revoked, and the individual would then be deported for violating U.S. law. Again, the vast majority of Nigerians who come to the United States are welcomed, and we are glad to host them.”
On students, Ambassador Mills said, “In the case of students, it is very important that if you are on a student visa, you remain in the program that underlies your visa. If you skip classes or leave your program of study without informing your school, your student visa could be revoked. That is an important message we want to convey.”
He added: “I would conclude by saying our goal is to ensure that travel between Nigeria and the United States continues in a safe and secure way for both countries, so that visas remain a means for business promotion, tourism, and cultural exchanges.”
Speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, thanked the United States Ambassador to Nigeria for his explanation, noting that Nigeria and the United States are closer than ever in terms of collaboration and engagement, “especially when we have common issues like this to discuss.”
“I think this is a new way of forging better partnership and collaboration between the two countries.
“And the more we engage, the better it is for both nations. As Minister of Information and National Orientation, I will continue to engage with all our partners, including the United States, to help foster better understanding on issues such as the new visa policy, so Nigerians can better appreciate and understand it,” he said, adding, “I’m not just talking about the United States.
“This engagement will continue with other partners and friends around the world. Those present here, we will keep engaging them so they understand what the Nigerian government is doing, and they will also explain their actions to Nigerians, helping us all have a better understanding,” he said.
He advised Nigerians to continue showing patriotism, not only to their country but also by forging better partnerships and complying with not just internal laws but also the laws of other countries.
“Everyone knows that when you visit any country, it is your duty to comply with their laws. When someone comes into Nigeria, we expect that person to comply with our laws as well.
“So, what I want to say is that Nigerians must continue to demonstrate patriotism for their country, forge better partnerships, and show compliance with both our laws and the laws of other countries. Doing so will enhance Nigeria’s image. Some of these visa policy changes may not be ideal, but they occur to help smooth operations between the two countries in terms of visa application.”
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