In a recent development that has sparked widespread debate, Seychelles, the picturesque West Indian Ocean country, has imposed stringent restrictions on Nigerians seeking to enter its borders.
The decision, confirmed by Vice President Ahmed Afif of Seychelles, has left many questioning the reasons behind this unexpected move.
The Ban in Detail
According to Seychelles News Agency, Seychelles immigration authorities have been instructed to only permit Nigerians with diplomatic passports and residential permits into the country. The ban on Nigerians seeking to enter Seychelles as tourists or new immigrants is indefinite, as stated by the vice president.
“We have seen a clear link between this with certain people from Nigeria. In the past two weeks, for example, 13 people coming from Nigeria have been arrested when entering Seychelles because they were carrying drugs into the country,” Mr Afif said.
In a case that further fueled the decision, 62 Nigerians who claimed to be on holiday were found to be using false credit cards, causing significant financial loss to local establishments.
The Controversy
This decision has stirred controversy on social media, with Nigerians alleging unjust visa denials by Seychelles. This comes on the heels of similar visa bans from other countries, including the United Arab Emirates, which recently added Nigeria to a list of unwelcome African countries.
The Perception of Nigeria
Nigeria’s perception as a hub for drug-trafficking has been prevalent for several decades and was recently amplified globally following the election of President Bola Tinubu. Accused of drug involvement and money laundering in the United States during the 1990s, Tinubu’s election has cast a shadow over Nigeria’s international image.
“We do not have a problem with Nigeria or its people though we do not tolerate such criminal activities in our country,” Mr Afif said.
The Aftermath
While it remains unclear whether Seychelles authorities considered Mr Tinubu’s background in their decision, the country has expressed its concern over a recent spike in criminal activities linked to Nigerians. The vice president also highlighted the issue of online scams originating from Nigeria, further justifying the ban.
As the dust settles on this decision, a meeting between Seychelles’ foreign minister Sylvestre Radegonde and the Nigerian ambassador has been scheduled to discuss the matter.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to Mandy News.
