By Ajibola Abayomi
The Nigerian Government has granted waiver to migrants/ visitors affected by travel ban occasioned by COVID 19.
Such class of people are to reschedule their plans at no cost when the ban is eventually lifted.
The Honourable Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in statement issued by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced the offer.
According the statement signed by the National Public Relations Officer of the NIS, Deputy Comptroller Sunday James, he said the minister has approved, vide letter ref. MI/PM/16012/S.266/V.II dated 6th April 2020, the above in respect of visitors/migrants affected by the Federal Government’s order, restricting international travels through International Airports and subsequent closure of land borders.
“In the light of the above, all visitors/migrants holding valid Visitors Pass/Resident Permit with confirmed return tickets scheduled to travel out within the period of the international travel restriction, are to be issued with relevant extensions at NO COST to enable the beneficiaries reschedule their flights and travel within one (1) week whenever the embargo is suspended/lifted by the Federal Government.”
The NIS however said migrants/visitors whose permits/visitors pass expired before the restriction order, must pay for overstay relevant for the period and the penalty it attracts.
Furthermore, anyone that overstays beyond the waiver period whenever the restriction is suspended/lifted by the Federal government is to promptly comply by paying for overstay.