The United States government has explained reasons behind its recent changes to visa laws for Nigerian travellers, stating that the rules aren’t meant to punish them but for security reasons.

At a joint press briefing in Abuja with Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, said the changes reflect a global review of US visa operations.

“Let me be clear, the United States values its very strong relationship with Nigeria and the many kinds of connections that exist between our two countries,” Mills stated.

The revised visa laws include a shorter validity period and limited entry options for most non-immigrant and non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerian citizens.

It also introduces stricter background checks, including access to Nigerian criminal records.

“We needed to address some of the security vulnerabilities that we saw in our visa processing,” the ambassador explained.

He cautioned Nigerian travellers about the consequences of overstaying their visas.

“If you overstay, it can result in deportation and a lifetime ban on future travel to the US, which we don’t want to see Nigerian citizens face,” he warned.

“Visa compliance is a cornerstone of mutual trust and respect between our two nations.”

Mills also emphasised the importance of honesty in the application process, warning that submitting false information could carry severe consequences.

Meanwhile, Minister Mohammed Idris dismissed concerns that the new rules are discriminatory, stating that the changes aim to improve efficiency rather than punish Nigerians.

“Before coming to this office, we had engagements with Ambassador Mills, and what he has told me is that this is in no way punitive.

“It’s just to enhance service delivery between the two countries,” Idris said.

“Let me recognise the mutual respect and partnership between Nigeria and the United States and its embassy to keep Nigerian travellers well informed about its visa and consular services,” he added. (Nigerian Tribune)