A diplomatic row seems to be brewing between Nigeria and the United Kingdom following a proposed policy by the British Government requiring Nigerian travelers to the UK to deposit £3,000 as bond in case they overstay their visa limits.
On Monday, the Federal Government summoned the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Pocock, over the development while the House of Representatives which flayed the policy, argued that it could have negative impact on the relationship between the two countries.
Nigeria, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Ghana, Pakistan and India are listed by the UK as countries whose citizens are to deposit the £3,000 under the proposed policy that will take off in November.
A Home Office official said the six countries highlighted were those with “the most significant risk of abuse.”
About 2.2million people are granted visas to enter Britain every year, last year, 296,000 people from India were granted six-month visas, as were 101,000 from Nigeria; 53,000 from Pakistan; and 14,000 apiece from Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
According to media reports, the Home Secretary Theresa May, said the administration of British Prime Minister, David Cameron, is serious about cutting immigration and abuses of the system.
The Sunday Times of London had reported that every visitor aged 18 and above granted a six-month visa would forfeit the £3,000 if they overstayed in Britain after the expiration of their visa.
