- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has warned Nigerians against the abuse of the United States visa.
This was contained in a travel advisory statement issued on Friday by the Immigration spokesperson, A.S Akinlabi.
According to the statement, the US government had raised the concern over the abuse of its visa by Nigerians.
The NIS highlighted how Nigerians often breach the US visa policy through overstaying and absenteeism by international students amongst other.
It warned that overstaying may attract severe penalties which include removal from the US and permanent ineligibility for future travel.
The service urged Nigerian students in the US to remain active in their study as it warned that withdrawal and absenteeism may lead to visa cancellation and loss of future eligibility.
It also disclosed plan by the US Consular office to deny tourist visa to Nigerians suspected to have planned to travel to the US and intended to give birth in the country in order to get the child a US Visa.
The NIS noted that security screening by the US authorities continues beyond initial entry, adding that any violation may result to visa revocation and deportation.
It reiterated its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the US Mission in Abuja and ensure that Nigeria is included in any expanded visa restriction.
The statement read in part; “The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) wishes to inform the general public of concerns raised by the United States Government regarding the misuse of U.S. visas by Nigerians. All visa holders are advised to strictly adhere to the purpose stated in their visa applications.
“Applicants are reminded that security screening by U.S. authorities continues beyond initial entry. Any violation of immigration or other laws may result in visa revocation or deportation.
“Breach of visa conditions, including overstaying, may attract severe penalties, including removal from the U.S. and permanent ineligibility for future travel. The U.S. is committed to maintaining secure and transparent visa processes.
“Nigerian students in the U.S. must remain in active study. Withdrawal, absenteeism, or change of academic programme without notification may lead to visa cancellation and loss of future eligibility.
“U.S. consular officers will deny tourist visa applications if they believe the primary purpose of travel is to give birth in the United States to obtain U.S. citizenship for the child.
“The NIS continues to collaborate with the U.S. Mission in Abuja to ensure Nigeria is not included in any expanded visa restrictions. Compliance with visa regulations is essential to safeguard legitimate travel by Nigerian citizens.”