Immigration: Issue visas to deserving Nigerians or else…
Abuja - The President of the Senate, Chief David Mark, has said that Nigeria may adopt the same harsh treatments being meted to her nationals by foreign missions in the process of collecting visa unless they start treating them with respect.
Senator Mark bemoaned the situation whereby Nigerian travelers are subjected to all kinds of humiliations by foreign missions before granting them visas, adding that such treatment could frustrate mutual cooperation between the two countries.
Mark’s statement was contained in a release signed by the chief press secretary to the Senate President, Paul Mumeh, and made available to journalists in Abuja.
According to the release, Senator Mark while receiving the visiting Secretary-General of Belgian parliament, Mr. Robert Myttanaere in his office in Abuja, urged the parliamentarian to ensure the removal of some of the humiliating restrictions attached to the issuance of visas to Nigerians.
He also frowned at the difficulties Nigerian legislators go through in the process of collecting visas, adding that they were often denied visa (traveling document) by the Belgium embassy even when they are on official engagements.
The senate president however assured his guests of the readiness of Nigerian legislators to exchange visit and ideas with Belgium on how to improve and develop our democratic culture.
“The legislature is the heart of democracy. We are prepared to learn from each other. Nobody knows it all. We should be able to exchange useful ideas on how democracy can be strengthened”.
In his response, Mr. Myttanaere reiterated the commitment of his country to assist Nigeria in the proposed constitutional amendment.
He said, “We have the expertise to assist in the process of constitutional reforms. The Belgium parliament is in the forefront of developing modern administration in the parliament across the globe.
Belgium with an older democracy is prepared to share her experience and help younger democracies across the world especially Africa to advance.”
Source: Vanguard
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