FOREIGN MINISTRY REACTS TO NEWS REPORTS ON IMPOSITION OF 3,000 POUNDS CASH BOND ON FIRST-TIME VISA APPLICANTS TO THE UK

Media reports in Nigeria yesterday 29th July, 2013, indicated that the UK Government will begin to implement from November, 2013, the 3,000 Pounds Sterling ''cash bond'' for first-time visa applicants from Nigeria, and five other Commonwealth countries. The other countries are India, Kenya, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. These media reports themselves were quoting the Financial Times of London.

2. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is yet to receive any official communication on the final decision of the UK government on this matter. The Federal Government of Nigeria has already conveyed its objection to the Bond payment to the UK government, when the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru, MFR, summoned the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Pocock, to the Tafawa Balewa House, on 25th June, 2013. If and when a communication to that effect is received, the Federal Government of Nigeria will take appropriate steps to reflect its national interest.

Ogbole Amedu Ode
Spokesperson,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Abuja.
30th July, 2013