The Federal Government has rejected a United Kingdom policy which requires that Nigerians applying for visa must pay in foreign dollars.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Viola Onwuliri, stated the government’s position at a meeting with the Diplomatic Corps on Thursday in Abuja.
The United Kingdom on December 4 announced a new visa regime, whereby applicants for visa would pay online in US dollars.
According to a statement by its Press and Public Affairs Officer, Mr. Rob Fitzpatrick, the UK said the new system would begin on December 16.
But the minister, who faulted what she called the “illegal” policy ordered all foreign missions in Nigeria to stop such policy because it was a flagrant assault on Nigeria’s sovereignty.
She said, “It has come to our notice that some diplomatic and consular missions in Nigeria charge visa and other consular fees in foreign currencies.
“This is totally unacceptable and must be stopped forthwith. Charging fees in foreign currencies is an illegal act that clearly violates the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. No self-respecting nation can accept such a flagrant assault on the symbol of its nationhood.”
source: nigerianeye
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