Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, Harry
Purwanto, who told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said that
that the new visa policy, was in line with global measures to promote
safety for its citizens.
He said that it was reviewed in October 2016.
He, however said that it was easier for those with frequently used
passports, to get visas.
He explained that applicants seeking to travel
to Indonesia also need to be invited or have certain recommendations to
visit that country.
The envoy added that the policy had made visa
application process for Nigerians “quite tough” but added that it was
for the safety of all.
“We (the embassy) could authorise the
issuance of visas without having to get in touch with Jakarta but since
Oct. 2016, we have to send visa applications from here to Jakarta for
approval.
“We here can make only recommendations on
visa applications, especially if applicants have programmes to undertake
in Indonesia, but it is at the discretion of authorities in Jakarta to
approve the visas that will be issued.
He also said that about 2000 visas were issued to Nigerians in 2016.
Purwanto also said that in 2015, the embassy issued 2000 visas.
He further said that both countries were working
on programmes that could enhance people-to-people relations adding that
such relations would promote understanding between both cultures.
“We have about 50 Nigerian students in Indonesia, some under scholarship, and they serve as ambassadors for Nigeria there.
“The Nigerian community in the country is not so large that is why crimes committed by a few could tarnish the image of others.”
Purwanto, however, assured that both governments were working to change such bias.
No comments:
Post a Comment
We Appreciate You for taking your time to check out this information. Love to hear what YOU think in the comments section below! If you find that you liked this story, don’t forget to hit the “SHARE BUTTON” and “POPULAR POSTS” button at the Botom of the page so that I can bring you more articles like this.