Stakeholders Urge China To Review Visa Validity For Nigerians
Some business stakeholders have called on the People’s Republic of China to extend its visa validity for Nigerians.
The stakeholders said the extension would boost the trade relationship between Nigeria and China.
They stated this on the sidelines of the China-Nigeria Investment Economic and Trade Promotion Conference held in Abuja on Thursday.
The President of the Association for the Advancement of Rights of Nigerian Shareholders, Dr Faruk Umar said it was important for China to review its visa tenure.
Umar, who represented Arewa Consultative Forum at the conference as a Non-Executive Director, said,” It will deepen the trade relationship between the two countries.
“Many countries are now increasing the number of years they give to Nigerians.
“So, I am appealing to the Chinese Government to give five or 10 years visa to Nigerians because one year visa is discouraging.”
On the importation of substandard products from China, Umar said; “agreements between Nigeria and China should emphasise the importation of high-quality products.”
He said “most countries ensure that products that are being imported are of high quality but it is not the same in Nigeria.
“So, I hope the incoming government will work hard to ensure all these things are fixed, as well as fight corruption and find solutions to poor electricity supply and many others.”
Umar who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Agro Allied Nigeria Limited said there was a need for China to review its visa tenure.
On importation of products, Umar said China had helped boost micro businesses in Nigeria.
He, however, said it was important for China to help Nigeria develop its rich human and natural resources rather than concentrating on export.
Umar said; “We are happy that China is signing a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with companies in Nigeria.
“However, I suggest the MoUs dwell more on how Nigeria can leverage China’s strength to learn how to make good use of its resources.
“For instance, they should help solve the problem of electricity.
“Also, our copper hides and skin are among the best in the world.
“So, rather than exporting them in their raw forms, machineries should be put in place as part of a bilateral agreement to have them processed in Nigeria.”
From January 8 2023, China began to take COVID-19 as a Class-B infectious disease and adopted provisional measures on cross-border travel. Arrangements have been further optimised for foreign nationals travelling to China.
Multi-year multi-entry visas issued before March 26, 2020, by the Chinese government, are still suspended from use, mainly because many of them are tourist visas.
The Chinese government said it would continue to adjust measures according to the pandemic situation and facilitate the recovery of international people-to-people exchange.
NAN/ Mercy Chukwudiebere
