The U.S. government has begun re-evaluation of its pronouncement to ban some categories of Migrant Visas for Nigerians having found satisfactory, the high level of compliance with information sharing among others.
Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Mustapha Sulaimon, disclosed this while briefing news men at the end of the inaugural meeting of the U.S./Nigeria Forum in Abuja on Wednesday.
Sulaimon said the forum will serve as a platform where both countries can progressively improve on bilateral relations and address concerns for the benefit of citizens.
The permanent secretary said that the U.S is reviewing the ban because Nigeria had satisfied almost 90 per cent of the requirements set by the U.S. government.
According to Sulaimon, the U.S. placed a ban on some categories of migrant visas in January because the requirements set by the U.S. were far from being met.
He however declared that, “We have accomplished so much within a very difficult year, but essentially we want to acknowledge the recognition and put on record Nigeria’s response to the concerns by the United States government in respect of the immigrant visa restriction that was imposed on Nigerians”.
He said Nigeria as a sovereign state, “appreciate the acknowledgement and the commendations from the United States government in respect of this response, and I think we have accomplished almost 90 per cent of the requirements that have been set in that regard”.
Sulaimon said that for the U.S. to have deemed Nigeria fit as candidate for reevaluation, was an eloquent testimony that Nigeria’s level of compliance, for example on information sharing was found comforting and commendable.
Sulaiman commended the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), the U.S Embassy in Nigeria, and all stakeholders that had contributed to ensuring that Nigeria made appreciable progress to earn the commendation.
Also, the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, commended Nigeria on the progress made in information sharing and other concerns raised by the U.S. government, which led to the ban.
Mrs. Leonard explained that the Presidential Proclamation enjoined the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State to prepare a report addressing the measures that had been taken which was then submitted to the White House for reevaluation.
She said that contrary to reports, the Presidential ban Proclamation did not mean that no Nigerian could ever enter into the U.S .
NAN
https://any.peopleandpowermag.com/u-s-softens-on-migrant-visa-for-nigerians/
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