ASHIRU: FG TO SANCTION EMBASSIES MALTREATING NIGERIANS

Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, on Monday told the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs that the Federal Government would withdraw the operational licence of any foreign embassy, whose country fails to accord deserved dignity to Nigerians seeking foreign visas.

Ashiru, who met with the committee in National Assembly premises, said whereas some foreign embassies in the country had provided enabling atmosphere for Nigerians seeking to undertake foreign trips, others had continued to humiliate Nigerians by keeping them in the sun after applying for visa.

According to him, the ministry would not condone any situation where Nigerians were scorched by the sun just because they applied for visas.
He added that if Nigeria’s foreign missions did not meet such an undignifying treatment to foreigners, Nigerians also deserved equal dignity.

Ashiru, who also told senators that the hitherto waiting period for visas in the country had drastically reduced, disclosed that Canada had reduced its waiting days to 10.

While he acknowledged that there might still be a delay in the process regarding visas to the United Kingdom, United States and Shenzhen (China), he advised Nigerians applying for foreign visas to follow due process through proper documentation.

Responding, Chairman of Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Matthew Nwagwu, expressed concerns over the dearth of funds in Nigerian missions abroad, notably in China and advised the minister to address the trend.

Source: Thisday