Featured post

Black Thursday

Rostrum The ancient narrow pathway had become so bad that they could not find their way to their destination as the three moved in a grey Honda Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) being piloted by Dayo who was very mindful of the steering. It was on a Thursday. The 35-year-old Misters Dayo, Emeka and Okon were old time friends who reunited just a few days ago at Nsukka in Enugu State having lost contacts about eight years back, or thereabouts, after their graduation from one of the reputable higher citadels of learning in Nigeria situated in the Eastern part of the country, precisely University of Nigeria Nsukka popularly known by its acronym ‘U.N.N’. What occasioned the long-awaited reunion was the convention of their alma-mater’s alumni body themed ‘The homecoming of UNN Alumni’, which usually held once in a blue moon. Though they never studied in the same department, they were conspicuously best of friends during their school days that people within bega...

Nigerians lament over new US' Visa Policy on Nigeria, others

Frank Musa
Nigerians, in their numbers, have continued to lament over the recent single-entry visa policy imposed on the applicants from Nigeria, among other African countries, by the United States' (US') President, Donald Trump.

It could be recalled that a few days ago, the US Government announced sweeping changes to its non-immigrant visa policy for Nigeria, Ghana, Cameroon, and Ethiopia, reducing the duration and increasing the conditions under which most travellers from those countries can enter the US.

The US Department of State disclosed that nearly all non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to citizens of the four countries would now be single-entry and valid for only three months rather than the usual multiple-entry, five-year validity.

It claimed the measure was part of a "global reciprocity realignment", a sharp shift from previous visa terms, which often allowed for multiple entries within two years or more.

ALSO READ >>>
Trump further announces 35% Tariffs on Goods from Canada

However, the Nigeria's Government has denied reports that it only offers single-entry e-visas for three months to US citizens, disclosing Nigeria continued to offer five-year multiple-entry visas to US nationals.

The report stated that the US government's claim of reciprocity as the reason for its current visa policy towards Nigeria did not accurately reflect the actual situation.

On the other hand, the US citizens can reportedly get visas of up to a year in Cameroon, and similar duration in Ethiopia, though the authorities in these two countries were yet to comment as at the time of filing this report.

On their part, Ghana's government said the West African nation has issued more than 28,500 multiple entry visas to US citizens in this year alone.

As we count down the days after the announcement of the stringent measure from the Trump's controversial administration, Nigerians - both home and abroad - have continued to express worry over what their fate entails.