Visa bond: British govt finally writes Nigeria

The British government has formally written to the Federal Government on its decision to back down on its earlier proposed 3,000 pounds visa bond.
Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, who spoke with Daily Sun in Abuja, admitted receiving the letter on behalf of the Federal Government yesterday evening.
Onwuliri said she received the news with a lot of....
joy, satisfaction and relief because the development had caused anxiety for Nigerians everywhere.
Recall that the British government had proposed a 3,000 pounds bond for Nigeria, India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh.
His word: “We were planning from our own side, awaiting the outcome so that if they continued, despite the subtle diplomatic moves we have been making, we would have no option than to also reciprocate. But fortunately for us, they have decided not to go ahead with it.
“It has been conceptualized, they were working towards really perfecting it before announcing or informing, but with all that has happened, the outcry of the public, diplomatic shuttles and engagements we have had, they have now decided to stop at that point and indeed, not to go ahead with it.
“So, we are happy about it and I think it is going to send in a lot of relief to our people, many of us who like travelling to the United Kingdom and who also, would want to travel in future as first timers.
“We are very happy. We have now received a letter like you said and I think that should put paid to that scenario, the argument and the matter.”
On the content of the letter, the minister said the British government stated that they were trying to avoid people over staying their visas so that it would serve as a deterrent.
Onwuliri said: “I think they just want to ensure that when it is time, you just leave so that the system can run in a way of maintaining order for a people who would ordinarily not leave when they are supposed to leave.
“I think they thought it was an easier way to maintain immigration control. With all that has happened now, I am sure they would look for other ways of doing that.”

-DailySun

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