You are here: HomeNews2020 02 04Article 341077

General News of Tuesday, 4 February 2020

Source: www.mynigeria.com

Presidency speaks on China suspending visa to Nigerians

The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) The President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.)

Presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad has said that China has not suspended the issuance of visa to Nigerians as reported.

An online news platform had reported that Ambassador Zhou Pingjian announced a suspension of visa issuance to Nigerians and other countries due to the outbreak of coronavirus in China.

“Life comes first. The Chinese Government is committed to safeguarding the lives and health of the Chinese people.

“We will, in a responsible manner, safeguard the life of every foreign national in China and address their legitimate concerns in a timely manner.

“We will continue to strengthen communication and coordination with the international community and work hand in hand for the epidemic prevention and control,” Pingjian said.

However, the report which was taken to mean a suspension of visa issuance to Nigerians has now been clarified by Bashir Ahmad.

According to him, China never suspended visa issuance to Nigerians but advised travelers to its domain to do so only on urgency.

He tweeted: "Don’t allow Sahara Reporters to mislead you! China has not suspended visa issuance to Nigerians. The Chinese Embassy explained that Ambassador Zhou Pingjian only advised those who wished to travel to China “not to be in a rush if the trip was not urgent.”until after the epidemic".