Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje, Chairman, House of Representatives
Committee on Foreign Affairs has restated Nigeria’s rejection of the visa bond scheme by the British government, describing it
as discriminatory and unacceptable.
In a statement in Abuja, the lawmaker said such policy was not in
the best interest of Nigeria and Nigerians.
“This is totally discriminatory and unacceptable. It is target to non-white Commonwealth”, she said.
Ukeje (PDP-Abia) said as a Committee on Foreign Affairs, the House of Representatives would take a critical look at the policy as it affects Nigerians and come up with a way forward.
“They should realise that it is not in the best interest of UK . We will as a country, going to look at it vis-a- vis our citizens and come up with a decision.
“We agreed totally with the UK Foreign Minister that the policy is totally unworkable and impractical”.
“It is contrary to the commitment made to our President by David
Cameron during their last meeting. We believe it is for political reason ahead of general election.
“We seek that our long historical relationship should take precedence over political expediency.”, Ukeje advised.
Visitors from Nigeria and other “high risk” countries in Asia and Africa will be forced to pay a £3,000 cash bond before they can enter United Kingdom .
From November, a pilot scheme will target visitors from India , Pakistan , Bangladesh , Sri Lanka , Nigeria and Ghana who will have to pay the UK government a form of cash guarantee or deposit to deter immigration abuse.
They will forfeit the £3,000 if they overstay in Britain and fail to return to their home countries by the time their visa has expired.
The controversial move by the UK home secretary, Theresa May, to introduce the Australian-style system reflects her determination to show that the Conservatives are serious about cutting immigration in the UK.
Ms May said: “This is the next step in making sure our immigration system is more selective, bringing down net migration from the hundreds of thousands to the tens of thousands, while still welcoming the brightest and the best to Britain.”
She added: “In the long run we’re interested in a system of bonds that deters overstaying and recovers costs if a foreign national has used our public services.”
The Home Office is targeting countries which have high volumes of visitor visa applications and what it deems to be relatively high
levels of fraud and abuse.
