United States President Donald Trump has announced a new round of travel restrictions affecting Nigeria and several other countries, citing security concerns and visa overstay rates.
In a statement issued by the White House on Tuesday, Trump said he signed a proclamation expanding and strengthening entry restrictions on nationals of countries with what he described as “persistent and severe deficiencies” in screening, vetting and information-sharing.
Nigeria was specifically mentioned in the proclamation, with U.S. authorities pointing to security challenges in parts of the country as obstacles to effective traveller vetting.
“Radical Islamic terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State operate freely in certain parts of Nigeria, which creates substantial screening and vetting difficulties,” the statement said.
The White House also cited visa compliance issues, referencing U.S. immigration data which showed that Nigeria recorded a B-1/B-2 business and tourism visa overstay rate of 5.56 per cent. The overstay rate for F, M and J visas, largely issued to students and exchange visitors, was put at 11.90 per cent.
The latest restrictions reflect Trump’s renewed hardline stance on immigration, similar to policies implemented during his previous administration, many of which attracted international criticism and legal challenges.
Other countries affected by the new travel ban include Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Gabon, The Gambia, Malawi, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, Tonga, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
As of the time of filing this report, Nigerian authorities had not issued an official response to the decision, which is expected to impact travellers, students and business people seeking entry into the United States.
