Nigerian seafarers have appealed to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intervene in the recent visa restrictions imposed by the United States, warning that the policy threatens their jobs and the nation’s foreign exchange earnings.
In a petition signed by their lawyers—P.O. Onucheyo, D.K. Ikoro, and S.D. Omede—the seafarers condemned the reduction of the C1D visa to a three-month single entry, stressing that it could lead to massive job losses and the loss of about $2 million in foreign exchange revenue monthly.
They noted that the restriction would make it difficult for them to join ships in the U.S., thereby disrupting careers and leaving many dependents without means of livelihood.
The petitioners cited Zimbabwe as an example, where diplomatic engagement led to the restoration of a two-year multiple-entry visa for seafarers and airline crew. They urged Nigeria to pursue a similar course, emphasizing that Nigerian seafarers have consistently complied with visa rules by returning home at the end of their contracts.
A seafarer with Royal Caribbean, Jeremiah Emmanuel, also lamented that the new policy placed Nigerian workers at a disadvantage despite undergoing rigorous checks before employment. He stressed that seafarers only travel to join their ships, complete assignments, and return, making the fear of overstaying unfounded.
Emmanuel appealed to both the U.S. Embassy and Nigerian authorities to restore the C1D visa validity to at least two years, warning that failure to act could cost many Nigerians their jobs and deprive the country of vital revenue.
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