Samuel Omang
The Federal Government has launched diplomatic engagements with the United States and the United Arab Emirates following new visa restrictions targeting Nigerian citizens. Authorities say the measures could undermine longstanding bilateral relations and stifle global mobility for Nigerians.
The US government announced on Tuesday that non-immigrant visa categories—including B1/B2 (business and tourism), F (students), and J (exchange visitors)—issued to Nigerian nationals will now be valid for just three months and restricted to a single entry. The new rule, effective July 8, is a shift from the previous multiple-entry, multi-year visa privileges.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the changes as “disproportionate” and inconsistent with the spirit of mutual respect. In a statement issued by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government expressed concern that the new policy could disrupt academic, professional, and familial exchanges between both countries.
While affirming the US’s sovereign right to determine its immigration policies, the ministry stressed that the decision was being carefully assessed and urged Washington to revisit it in the interest of long-term partnership.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a bid to deescalate the situation, led a government delegation to meet with US Ambassador Richard M. Mills Jr. on Wednesday. The meeting focused on resolving the visa dispute and strengthening collaboration on immigration security and policy alignment. The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Kemi Nandap, and Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani, were part of the talks.
According to the US Embassy, the new guidelines apply only to new visas issued after July 8. All previously issued valid visas remain unaffected. The changes, it said, were part of a global visa reciprocity review to ensure fair, secure, and standardized visa policies with partner countries.
Meanwhile, the UAE has tightened its own immigration procedures for Nigerians. Dubai authorities now require applicants aged 45 and above to provide six-month personal bank statements showing a $10,000 monthly balance. Additionally, Nigerians between 18 and 45 years old will not be eligible for tourist visas unless accompanied.
The new restrictions are expected to significantly reduce Nigerian travel to the UAE—a country long favored for business and leisure.
In a separate development, the British High Commission in Abuja announced that from July 15, most Nigerian applicants for UK study and work visas will receive digital eVisas instead of physical stickers. The move is part of the UK’s transition to a fully digital immigration system. Dependants and visitor visa applicants will continue to receive physical vignettes for now.
While the UK changes were largely seen as administrative, the US and UAE decisions triggered strong political backlash at home.
Labour Party Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Ayo Olorunfemi, blamed the federal government’s failure to fix the country for the rising international pushback. He described the visa bans as a direct consequence of poor governance, economic stagnation, and the unchecked “Japa” wave of mass emigration.
“This isn’t about other countries being hostile,” he said. “It’s about how poorly we are managing ourselves at home.”
Echoing similar sentiments, NNPP spokesman Ladipo Johnson said the restrictions reflect Nigeria’s deteriorating global reputation. He noted that the absence of appointed ambassadors and unclear foreign policy under President Bola Tinubu has left the country diplomatically rudderless.
On social media, reactions were mixed. PDP chieftain Dele Momodu suggested the US sanctions could be linked to Nigeria’s growing interest in non-Western alliances like BRICS. Former presidential aide Bashir Ahmad viewed it as a response to Nigeria asserting more independence in its foreign policy.
In contrast, Presidential Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, insisted that relations with the US remain intact. He blamed the new policy on evolving global immigration standards and affirmed that talks were ongoing to restore visa reciprocity.
Analysts warn that unless Nigeria addresses domestic issues such as insecurity, unemployment, and weak education systems, visa restrictions from other countries may become more frequent—and harder to reverse.