The US government has revealed that Nigeria was added to its expanded list of travel restrictions over concerns bordering on security risks related to terrorism and high visa overstay rates in the country.
According to US authorities, the presence and activities of extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State in some parts of Nigeria have created challenges to effective screening and screening of travelers.
The decision was also influenced by data showing high numbers of visa overstays: Nigeria recorded an overstay rate of 5.56 percent for B-1/B-2 visas and 11.90 percent for F, M and J visas.
“Radical Islamic terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State operate freely in certain parts of Nigeria, creating significant monitoring and investigation difficulties. According to the Overstay Report, Nigeria had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 5.56 percent and an F, M and J visa overstay rate of 11.90 percent.”
Online tribune information that United States President Donald Trump approved the expansion of travel restrictions under a new proclamation aimed at strengthening national security and public safety.
a white house statement said the proclamation maintains full entry restrictions on nationals of 12 countries previously classified as high risk: Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
Five more countries – Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria – were added to the list of nations facing full restrictions following a recent security review.
The measures also apply to people traveling with documents issued by the Palestinian Authority.
Laos and Sierra Leone, which were previously under partial restrictions, have now imposed full entry limits, while Burundi, Cuba, Togo and Venezuela remain under partial restrictions.
The proclamation lifts the ban on nonimmigrant visas for Turkmenistan, citing improved cooperation with the United States, but maintains restrictions on immigrant entry for Turkmen citizens.
Nigeria is among 15 countries recently placed under partial restrictions, along with Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Ivory Coast, Dominica, Gabon, Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The policy provides exemptions for lawful permanent residents, existing visa holders and specific categories such as diplomats and athletes, as well as for people whose entry is deemed to serve the national interests of the United States.
It also tightens visa exemptions for family-based immigrants considered vulnerable to fraud, while allowing exemptions on a case-by-case basis.
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