Nigerian business owners seek 10-year visa validity from China

Some business stakeholders have called on China to extend its visa validity for Nigerians.

They made the call on the sidelines of the China-Nigeria Investment Economic and Trade Promotion Conference in Abuja on Thursday.

They said the extension would boost the trade relationship between Nigeria and China.

Faruk Umar, the president of the Association for the Advancement of Rights of Nigerian Shareholders, said it was important for China to review its visa tenure.

Mr 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’ visas to Nigerians because one year-visa is discouraging.”

On concerns about importing substandard products from China, Mr Umar said agreements between Nigeria and China should emphasise importing 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 a solution to poor electricity supply and many others.”

Fuad Umar, the CEO of Agro Allied Nigeria Limited, said there was a need for China to review its visa tenure, noting that imported goods from 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.

“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,” stated Mr Umar.

He added, “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, machinery should be put in place as part of a bilateral agreement to have them processed in Nigeria.”

From January 8, 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 by the Chinese government before March 26, 2020, are still suspended, mainly because many 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.