The government of Seychelles has implemented a ban on Nigerian passport holders, prohibiting them from visiting the country for holiday purposes. This development was confirmed by Seychelles’ border security in response to inquiries made by TheCable. The ban came to public attention when a Twitter user and travel content creator, @munafromtravelletters, shared a screenshot of a visa application rejection email from Seychelles, stating that Nigerian passport holders are not currently accepted for holiday visits.
The email read, “We regret to inform you that your application has been denied, as per immigration regulation, for now we are not accepting any NIGERIAN passport holder for holiday purposes.” The email provided contact information for Seychelles Immigration for further details.
When contacted through customer support, Seychelles’ border security confirmed the accuracy of the screenshot but did not provide specific reasons for the ban, stating that no further information was available at the time.
Prior to the ban, Nigerian passport holders enjoyed a longstanding visa-free agreement with Seychelles, granting them 30 days of free entry without a visa. The sudden imposition of this ban has elicited mixed reactions from social media users, with many expressing their concerns about the increasing number of foreign bans affecting Nigerian passport holders.
This ban adds to the list of recent visa restrictions imposed on Nigerians by other countries. The United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the United States have previously announced visa bans targeting Nigerian passport holders.
In October 2022, the UAE immigration authorities announced a ban on visa applications from Nigerians after months of diplomatic disputes between the two nations. Former President Muhammadu Buhari had attempted to secure a suspension of the visa ban but encountered difficulties.
Similarly, the UK recently announced plans to restrict foreign students from bringing their family members with them starting from 2024, as part of their efforts to control net migration. Although British officials insisted that the policy was not specifically targeted at Nigerians, it would impact many Nigerian students pursuing postgraduate studies in the UK. In 2022, Nigerian students accounted for the highest increase in the number of dependents accompanying individuals with study visas in the UK.
The US also announced a visa ban on Nigerians, citing concerns about the impact on democracy during the recently concluded general election.
When you ask a Seychellois about Nigerians, the conversation is same.
First time I visited, they talked about how Nigerians always peddled drugs
Ethiopia used to be Visa on arrival, now you have to apply for e-visa , I think.
Dubai- Ban. Now seems Seychelles
Who is next?
— ??????? (@wakawaka_doctor) July 9, 2023Seychelles has seemingly placed a ban on Nigerian passport holders from visiting on holiday purposes.
Blanket bans on entire countries isn’t only lazy, it is discriminatory and an expression of xenophobia.
image H/T: @Munachimsoooo pic.twitter.com/YGvKxktIm9
— Moe (@Mochievous) July 9, 2023Seychelles is just 107.4 thousand population. Seychelles population isn't not up to ijebu igbo in Ogun state. Today. Seychelles place a ban on Nigeria passport because Emeka & Chinedu was caught with drugs. South Africa. Malaysia. Indonesia. India don't want us in their country… pic.twitter.com/SC8CEnZ2ZN
— IFÁ FUNSHO ? (@funshographix) July 9, 2023
I am a British man who has lived in Nigeria for more than 20 years ( happily married with 3 children ). This type of discrimination is “outrageous”.
Something needs to be done !