The government of Seychelles has banned Nigerian passport holders from visiting the country for holiday purposes.
The country’s border security confirmed the development to TheCable on Sunday.
@munafromtravelletters, a Twitter user and travel content creator, had on Saturday shared a screenshot of what appeared to be a Seychelles’ visa application rejection email.
“We regret to inform you that your application has been denied, as per immigration regulation, for now we are not accepting any NIGERIAN passport holder for holiday purposes,” the screenshot reads.
Advertisement
“Kindly contact http://www.ics.gov.sc/ (Seychelles Immigration) or call 248 4 293 636 for more information.”
Speaking with TheCable through its customer support service, the Seychelles government corroborated the travel content creator’s screenshot without giving reasons for the ban.
“Yes, but no further information is available at this time,” the border security said.
In December 2022, Nigeria and Seychelles signed a pact that would enable direct flights between the two countries.
Hadi Sirika, then minister of aviation, and Anthony Derjacques, the Seychelles’ minister of transport, both agreed that the pact would promote the African Union agenda 2063 while enhancing business, and promoting tourism.
Before the ban, Nigeria had a long-standing visa-free agreement with Seychelles which allows Nigerian citizens free entry without a visa for 30 days.
The ban placement elicited mixed reactions from social media users, with many lamenting the increase in foreign bans against Nigerian passport holders.
In recent times, the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the US announced a visa ban on Nigerians.
For several months in 2021, Nigeria and UAE battled several diplomatic rows in aviation but the final clampdown came in October 2022 when the UAE immigration authorities announced a ban on visa applications from Nigerians.
Former President Muhammadu Buhari had sought a suspension of the visa ban without much immediate luck.
In May, the UK said it would restrict foreign students from bringing family members with them from 2024 in a move to curb net migration.
Although Richard Montgomery, British high commissioner to Nigeria, said the new policy was not targeted at Nigerians, the crackdown would affect many Nigerian students hoping to pursue their postgraduate studies in the UK.
Nigerians accounted for the highest increase in the number of dependants accompanying persons with study visas in 2022 in the UK.
The US had also announced a visa ban on Nigerians that undermined democracy in the recently concluded general election.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
LATEST POSTS
Alaafin: Some words for king and chiefs
Monday Lines MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas By Lasisi Olagunju The oba under our law is not a king; he is a chief. That is why the law governing the appointment and removal of the oba and his ìjòyè is called Chiefs Law. The colonial government made it so. The oba was not recognised as king by…
Let Us Have A Scapegoat – Adejobi Tells Nigerians To Expose Policemen Searching Phones On Road
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Adejobi described the action as unprofessional, insisting that it is illegal for operatives on routine patrol to inspect citizens’ phones. The spokesperson of the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has appealed to Nigerians to expose its operatives engaging in illegal stop and search of citizens’ phones. Recall that the Force had…
We’ll Prioritize Passage of Tax Reform Bills – Speaker, Abbas
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Abbas said as the lawmakers engage with the budget and other legislative priorities, they must remain meticulous in their scrutiny. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen has given an update on the controversial tax reform bills. He said the House wil ensure the passage of the Appropriation Bill and…
