Nigerians barred from China over COVID-19

The Chinese authorities have temporarily suspended entry of Nigerians and non-Chinese nationals into its country over the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In a notice issued on Thursday, the Chinese authorities said its embassy will no longer issue certified health declaration form for non-Chinese nationals in the country.

It, however, said holders of diplomatic passports, service, courtesy or C visas will not be affected by the regulation, adding that the measures will be reviewed in accordance with “evolving situation”.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, China has decided to temporarily suspend entry into China by non-Chinese nationals in Nigeria holding visa or residence permits still valid at the time of this announcement,” the notice read.

“The Chinese embassy and consulate in Nigeria will no longer issue Certified Health Declaration Form for the above-mentioned personnel.

“Entry by holders of diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visas will not be affected. Foreign nationals visitingChina for emergency needs may apply for visas at Chinese embassy or consulate. Entry by non-Chinese nationals in Nigeria with visas issued after 3 November 2020 will not be affected.

“The suspension is a temporary response necessitated by the current situation of COVID-19. The above-mentioned measures will be assessed in accordance with the evolving situation and any adjustment will be announced accordingly.”

The COVID-19 broke out in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December.

The city was put on a strict lockdown to curb the spread of the disease but since the outbreak, it has spread across 218 countries with 48,868,008 cases confirmed globally.

Not less than 1,236,650 deaths have also been recorded.

As of Thursday night, China had 86,115 cases and 4,634 deaths, with 81,081 recoveries.