The ministry of foreign affairs has explained why Ethiopian Government suspended visa-on-arrival for Nigerians.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Francisca Omayuli, in a statement on Thursday, October 6, explained that Nigerians who enter the country on tourist visas, remain even after the expiration of their visas, engaging in unwholesome activities.

“The Nigerian government has noted the concern expressed by the Ethiopian authorities over the abuse of the country’s visa policy by some Nigerians who enter the country on tourist visas and remain even after the expiration of their visas, engaging in unwholesome activities.

“The activities of these few elements not only tarnish the image of the country, but limit opportunities for well-meaning Nigerians outside the country. Such persons are enjoined to turn a new leaf and take advantage of the opportunity provided by the Ethiopian national security agencies to participate in the ongoing registration of undocumented migrants to avoid unpleasant situations.

“The ministry of foreign affairs of Nigeria wishes to inform the general public that the federal government of Ethiopia has suspended issuance of ‘visa -on-arrival’ to non-resident foreigners at all points of entry into the country, over security concerns and the current political situation in that country. The suspension applies to nationals of all countries bearing standard passports, who seek entry into Ethiopia and not specifically targeted at Nigerians, as reported in some quarters.

“The Ethiopian authorities have explained that the measure is aimed at better border control of movement of persons into Ethiopia in view of the ongoing armed conflict in the Northern part of the country. The measure is said to be temporary, pending improvement in the security situation in the country and not a replacement of Ethiopia’s open visa policy.

The new temporary visa restriction measure came into effect on 29th September, 2022,” the statement read.