China suspends the issuance of visas to Nigerians citing continued threat of coronavirus

CHINA'S government has announced the temporary suspension of Nigerians entering into the country including those holding valid visas and residence permit as a result of the continuing spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

Late last year, the Covid-19 virus broke out in China's Wuhan Province and has since spread around the world, becoming a global pandemic. As a result, many countries placed restrictions on travel and movement but in China, the African community appeared to be subjected to more particularly harsh treatment.

Many Nigerians for instance were evicted from their homes and forced onto the streets where they were forced to live like destitutes, surviving off charity. As a result, Nigeria evacuated most of its citizens from the country but given the string business links between the two countries, there is a lot of inter-travel between the two nations.

However, many Nigerian retailers source their finished goods from China, so need to travel to make bulk purchases. For, now, however, they will not be able to do this as the Chinese embassy and consulate in Nigeria said it will no longer issue Certified Health Declaration forms for Nigerians wishing to travel to the country.

It however, stated that foreign nationals with diplomatic visas may not be affected and those visiting for emergency needs may apply for a visa at the Chinese embassy. According to the embassy, the suspension is a temporary response necessitated by the current situation of Covid-19, pointing out that these measures will be assessed in accordance with the evolving situation and any adjustment will be announced accordingly.

An embassy spokesman said:  “Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, China has decided to temporarily suspend entry into China by non-Chinese nationals in Nigeria holding visas or residence permits still valid at the time of this announcement. The Chinese embassy and consulate in Nigeria will no longer issue Certified Health Declaration forms for the above-mentioned personnel.

“Entry by holders of diplomatic, service, courtesy or C visas will not be affected. Foreign nationals visiting China for emergency needs may apply for visas at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate. Entry by non-Chinese nationals in Nigeria with visas issued after 3 November 2020 will not be affected.”