The Federal Government has expressed strong concern over a wave of new visa restrictions imposed on Nigerian citizens by the United States, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United Kingdom, describing the moves as harsh and calling for urgent review.
In a statement issued Wednesday, Nigerian authorities described the U.S. decision to shorten visa validity to three months with single-entry restrictions as “disproportionate” and urged Washington to reconsider the policy in the spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.
The U.S. Department of State had announced on earlier that, effective July 8, 2025, most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians would now be limited to a single entry and valid for just 90 days, a sharp departure from previous, more flexible terms.
Adding to the diplomatic strain, the UAE has also introduced stiffer entry conditions. New guidelines from Dubai immigration ban all Nigerian transit visa applications and impose strict conditions for tourist visas.
Consequently, Nigerians aged 18 to 45 are now ineligible for tourist visas unless accompanied, while those aged 45 and above must present six months of personal bank statements showing a minimum monthly balance of $10,000 to be considered.
Meanwhile, the British High Commission in Abuja announced changes to the UK’s immigration procedures for Nigerians applying for study and work visas. Though details are still emerging, the new rules are expected to make the process more stringent.
Government officials are warning that such actions could damage long-standing bilateral relations and undermine people-to-people connections.
