Nigeria Launches Asfaar, First-Ever Visa Application Centre to Streamline Travel and Combat Document Fraud
In a major move to enhance Nigeria’s global travel processes, the government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has introduced Asfaar—Nigeria’s very first visa application centre. This new facility is designed to manage travel requests efficiently while addressing the persistent issue of document fraud that has long affected the credibility of Nigerian passports and related travel documents.
Speaking at a press conference held in Abuja, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, emphasized the critical role of Asfaar in protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and maintaining the integrity of its international relations. While Tuggar was represented by his special assistant on media and communications, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the message was clear: this initiative is a step toward ensuring Nigeria is respected and trusted on the global stage.
Tackling Visa Challenges and Document Fraud Head-On
Nigeria has faced challenges regarding visa restrictions and travel hurdles, often stemming from concerns about data reliability and the authenticity of travel documents. Minister Tuggar highlighted that one of the key concerns among foreign governments has been the sanctity and accuracy of Nigerian data used in visa processing.
To address this, the government is collaborating closely with national agencies such as the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs itself. This partnership aims to “clean up” the data ecosystem, ensuring that passports and other travel-related documents are trustworthy and meet international standards.
Jamil Hausawi, Chief Executive Officer of Asfaar, explained that the centre’s primary goal is to simplify the visa application process for Nigerians and reduce the rising cases of visa denials or restrictions that many travelers have experienced. While embassies will continue to make final decisions on visa approvals, Asfaar will serve as an official intermediary, coordinating between applicants and government agencies to streamline applications and improve transparency.
Phased Rollout of Asfaar Services
Hausawi revealed that Asfaar’s launch will be executed in three phases to manage the high volume of applications effectively:
- Phase 1: Focus on Arab and Gulf countries, regions that see significant travel from Nigerians.
- Phase 2: Expansion to cover Asia and Australia.
- Phase 3: Full rollout including Europe and the United States.
Nelson Obiabo, Asfaar’s spokesperson, noted that the centre has already started offering some services and is finalizing integration with various government bodies and foreign consulates. Full operational capacity is expected soon, promising a smoother and more reliable visa application experience for Nigerian travelers.
Nigeria’s Response to New US Visa Social Media Policy
In related developments, the Nigerian government is also preparing to respond strategically to the United States’ new visa application requirements. Effective August 18, the US Mission in Nigeria announced that all visa applicants must now disclose their social media usernames and activities from the past five years on the DS-160 form. This move has generated discussions about privacy and data sharing, and the Nigerian government has indicated it will implement reciprocal measures to protect its citizens’ interests while maintaining diplomatic relations.
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