IN late November 2011, there was a published report of crisis in a Nigerian mission in Asia involving Nigerian citizens resident in Bangkok and former officials of the embassy. A video of that scene was posted on YouTube and it quickly went viral with very conflicting reports. Similar incidence occurred at embassy of Nigeria in Malaysia, all encompassing from sheer act of the embassies’ official neglect to its citizens.

VARIOUS narratives about Nigerians resident in different countries abroad show how individuals are constantly subjected to various levels of inhuman treatment while in pursuit of existence. Little wonder some Nigerians are of the opinion that it is time Nigerians in Diaspora began dreaming of actualizing decent lives back in Nigeria.

Years before VFS Global was instituted to partner/collaborate with some foreign embassies in Nigeria in respect to visa application processing for Nigeria visa seekers, applicants were subjected to all sorts of inhuman conditions in order to procure visa to visit countries of choice.

THE issue of ill treatment meted to Nigeria visa applicants by foreign embassies or their proxies has gone on for too long in the country, hence, the need for remedial measures, so that every visa applicant can experience less cumbersome visa processing.

Intending Nigeria applicants seeking to obtain Brazil employment visa, are expected to meet up with the embassy’s stipulated requirements which include suitable educational qualifications and work experience. Other criteria for approval of same visa include a secured employment contract in Brazil, proof of adequate means of sustenance in Brazil, police confirmation to indicate that you have no criminal record, and a satisfactory medical examination document.

FOLLOWING the deportation of a large number of Nigeria nationals under harsh and unfriendly treatment from South Africa early this year, with a flimsy excuse of having produced fake Yellow Fever Vaccine cards, and perhaps, unauthenticated documentation, a victim who refused to disclose his full names for reason of security, but simply demanded to be identified as Baldwin was up to his limits as he narrated his ordeal through processes of deportation from South Africa.

The United States Consul General Jeffery Hawkins has disclosed that the Consulate in Lagos is putting in over 30 million US Dollars for the renovation of its office in order to meet the increasing demands of applicants in the country.

It was a moment of joy for the United State’s Ambassador, Terrence P Macaulay, as well as staffers of the embassy as they ushered in their new Consul General to take up the mantle of leadership in overseeing visa matters for Nigeria applicants.

CONJUGAL partner visa/Spousal visa, a family reunification process, and one of the vital components of Canada’s immigration agenda, is made available to an applicant, who is married to a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and intends to get reunified with the spouse, following separation that may have resulted from war, persecution, or other legal barriers.

The Greece embassy, having established diplomatic ties with Nigeria since 1970, with an embassy in Abuja and a Consulate in Lagos, to serve

Greek President, Karolos Papoulias

intending Nigeria travelers owing to the mutual relationship the two Countries enjoy, Greek owned Companies in Nigeria have interestingly and remarkable invested in the Nigeria economy which led to development of what one may call a small Greek business Community

The British Government recently, published its Trade and Investment White Paper, an ambitious strategy aimed at nurturing International Trade and Investment relationships, which are billed to strengthen and enable developing Countries, build their own paths to growth.

It was announced last November during a press meeting with the United States consular officers at the public Affairs section of the US Consulate lagos, that 6000 Nigerians were targeted to scale through the US 2012 DV lottery

Here, is an instance of the magic an appeal does in the event of visa refusal. On 23rd September, 2008, Lawale Kolapo Esq, a senior lawyer based here in the country was denied visa to visit his British family in the UK though his application met the requirements.

The consular section of the United States Consulate General in Lagos last Friday, at the Public Affairs section, broad street, Lagos, announced changes in the 2012 DV lottery winners notification mode which according to the consular officers who briefed newsmen, is aimed at addressing some of the issues constituting hindrances to a smooth operation.

There are reported cases of Nigerians whose application to gain legal entry into foreign countries were turned down without the expected host country supplying cogent reasons for visa denial. In most cases, reasons for refusal are not explicit.

The Canadian 2011 Education Fair for Nigeria Students scheduled to take place in Abuja and Lagos, which will feature over 40 Canadian institutions and Agencies, will provide a forum for presentations on their expertise, Capabilities, and Programmes.

THE immediate past Ambassador of the kingdom of Belgium, Michael Dewez, recently affirmed to the fact that with his country housing the headquarter of European Union and Nigeria, being the center of west Africa, both countries stand to gain from more cooperation which brought about re-opening of talks towards re-establishing direct flights with Nigeria

The embassy is not without its own challenges as intending travelers from time to time are dissatisfied with the services of the embassy which merely stem from lack of proper knowledge on its operations and visa requirements.

The two day roadshow events organized by the UK Trade and Investment(UKTI) in conjuction with the foreign and commonwealth office, prime sponsors access bank and the private sector with the theme, Making Nigeria your Goal is expected to take place, march 2011.

MANY Nigerians desiring to school in the United States of America most times, give up their dreams after failing to go through the stipulated process due to lack of adequate information.

Third Monday of January every year is observed by the United States of America’s Department of States and a few other embassies as Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

AS the Christmas and New Year celebrations roll by, some Nigerians who came home from different destinations overseas are experiencing wobbling knees, wondering if going back is worth the while as they recount the difficulties they encountered before coming home, in a bid to keep their heads above the water.

Having served for many years as Head of Child Protection with the United Nations Children’s Fund [UNICEF] Ms Karin Landgren of Sweden added yet another value to her success story as she has been appointed by the United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, as his new Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Office in Burundi.

In general, the Swedish embassy in Nigeria demands that applicants desiring to migrate to their Country for any purpose, should possess visa requirements, which are, evidence of sufficient fund for the duration of time intended to stay or a proof of other satisfactory arrangements for their support, while applicants are still in Nigeria and a recent Yellow fever vaccination Certificate.

UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister, Jeremy Browne has condemned the violent attacks on New Year’s Eve on innocent Nigerian citizens in Abuja.

TOP on the priority of the Swedish embassy in Nigeria which is to promote trade and investment relationship between its Country and Nigeria, while assisting Sweden and different sectors of the Swedish society promote Swedish interest in Nigeria, has so far resulted in a mutual relationship between the two countries both in terms of trade and investments.