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The Nigeria Immigration Service has issued a notice urging Nigerians to utilize their U.S. visas appropriately and in strict accordance with the purposes stated in their applications.
This comes after the U.S. Government expressed concerns about some Nigerian citizens misusing their visas.
In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, the Service's Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, emphasized that Nigerians with U.S. visas must follow the terms and conditions under which their visas were issued.
"The Nigeria Immigration Service wants to inform the public of concerns raised by the United States Government regarding Nigerians misusing U.S. visas. "All visa holders are urged to adhere closely to the purpose specified in their visa applications," he stated.
"U.S. authorities conduct security checks beyond the entry point into the country. Any violation of immigration or other laws can result in visa cancellation or deportation.
"Violations of visa conditions, such as overstaying, can incur strict penalties, including removal from the U.S. and permanent disqualification for future travel," he added.
He mentioned that the U.S. remains dedicated to ensuring a secure and transparent visa process and expects all visa holders to fully comply with its immigration guidelines.
He also recommended that Nigerian students in the U.S. stay enrolled in active study programs and avoid unauthorized withdrawals or absenteeism, as these could lead to visa revocation and loss of future travel eligibility to the U.S.
The NIS warned that U.S. consular officials have the authority to deny tourist visas to those suspected of intending to travel to give birth to secure U.S. citizenship for their children.
"The NIS will continue to work with the U.S. Mission in Abuja to prevent Nigeria from being subject to any expanded visa restrictions," he stated.
"We urge all Nigerian citizens to adhere to U.S. visa regulations, as such behavior is crucial for preserving legitimate travel opportunities.
