Nigeria Among Nations Most Likely to Face Visa Denials
A new report by Imperial Citizenship Global has revealed that Nigerians are among the nationalities most likely to experience visa denials when applying to travel abroad. According to the findings, Nigeria faces a visa rejection rate as high as 48.5%.
The report highlights the significant challenges many Nigerian applicants encounter, attributing the high refusal rate to stringent visa policies and increased scrutiny by foreign embassies and consulates. Analysts believe this trend underscores the urgent need for improved diplomatic relations and stronger bilateral agreements to help ease travel restrictions for Nigerian citizens.
Imperial Citizenship Global, a firm specialising in immigration and citizenship advisory services, based its rankings on data collected from various embassies and consulates worldwide. The findings raise concerns about equitable access for Nigerians seeking to explore international opportunities, particularly as global mobility remains a vital driver of economic growth and development.
Despite the high rejection rate, Nigeria’s situation is not the worst. Countries like Liberia (79.38%) and Guinea-Bissau (76.59%) experience even higher denial rates. However, when compared with nations such as South Africa (10.65%) and Seychelles (7.59%), Nigeria’s visa rejection rate illustrates the steep challenges Nigerian travellers face.
The report further noted that while citizens of some countries benefit from visa-free travel and seamless global mobility, others, like Nigeria, Afghanistan, Syria, and Algeria, often encounter lengthy paperwork, prolonged processing times, and a high likelihood of rejection.
Reacting to the findings, some Nigerians expressed disappointment, arguing that the country’s name should not appear on such a list, given its potential and global standing. They stressed the need for collective improvement, emphasising that while government policies do play a role, individual behaviour abroad significantly affects the country’s image. Many believe that true change will only come when Nigerians consistently act responsibly and represent their nation with pride and integrity on the international stage.
Also read: New Fears of Boko Haram Return In Maiduguri
Content Credit: Agbetan Bisola
Image Credit: pulse.ng
