Remove stringent conditions on visa, FG begs Canadian government

The federal government has appealed to the Canadian government to remove the stringent conditions preventing Nigerians from procuring its visa.

Rauf Aregbesola, minister of interior, made the appeal when James Christoff, the Canadian high commissioner to Nigeria, paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday in Abuja.

Many Nigerians have complained of high refusal of study visas, as well as long processing periods.

Early in the year, a report by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) alleged that Nigerians were being denied Canadian visas as a result of bias and discrimination.

In a statement by Afonja Ajibola, deputy director of press and public relations in the ministry, Aregbesola was quoted as saying seamless visa processing would boost investment and accelerate economic growth in both countries.

Aregbesola also urged the Canadian government to assist Nigeria with new technologies to ease the monitoring of borders, high seas, land, railways and schools.

He said such technology would facilitate quick response to security issues and enhance investments in Nigeria.

Earlier, Christoff said his visit was to seek bilateral cooperation with Nigeria in the areas of the economy, security, technology, education and training of immigration service personnel.

The high commissioner said the training of immigration personnel would ensure efficient border monitoring and enhance Nigeria’s security.

Christoff said the Canadian government would review some of its visa conditions so that Nigerians can access Canada without difficulties.