NIS appeals to foreign investors to use online platform for ease of Visa on Arrival
In view of documentary hitches so far recorded by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) in processing Visa on Arrival (VoA) for visitors at arrival points across the country, the agency has advised foreign investors and companies willing to apply for the new VoA to always do so through the NIS online platform before arriving.
The VoA platform was recently introduced by the Federal Government as part of plans to clear bottlenecks in issuing visas to genuine investors and ease the way of doing business in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by NIS Spokesperson, Sunday James, he quoted the Comptroller-General of NIS, Muhammad Babandede, as saying that in spite of the instruction that companies should send their applications by email, some still sent representives to the NIS headquarters in Abuja.
Babandede noted further that “We wish to note that despite the liberalisation policy on the application for the Visa on Arrival (VoA) facility by email, some organisations/companies still send their representatives to physically submit their applications at NIS headquarters.
“We advise that applications should be filled online, instead of visiting the office.”
According to him, the best procedure is for prospective applicants to send completed VoA forms to voa@nigeriaimmigration.gov.ng with relevant documents for immediate processing.
He disclosed that the new idea is in line with the Executive Order on “Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria” issued recently by the Acting president, Yemi Osinbajo.
The CG said NIS had put in place the necessary machinery in compliance with relevant provisions of the Executive Orders relating to the discharge of immigration duties. The NIS boss urged foreign investors and the public to visit — www.immigration.gov.ng for the requirements, eligibility, fees and how to apply for the facility.
