The federal government on Thursday unveiled a visa application travel policy to eliminate identity card fraud and also unauthorised third-party agents.

The policy, which deploys technology, is run by Afaar.ng in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aimed at vetting Nigerians applying for visas so as to address anomalies.

The policy Is also expected to address the issue of visa application refunds for unsuccessful applicants.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said the policy was part of the efforts to remove all encumbrances faced by Nigerians seeking visas and, at the same time, ensure that people with questionable records are put under checks.

Tuggar said the process will be a win-win for the countries as the process is kicking starting with the Gulf and Arab nations before extending to European and other countries.

He spoke while unveiling the platform before some ambassadors from the Gulf-Arab nations in Abuja.

Though the Ambassadors have asked that correspondence to that effect be made to their home countries for approval.

The policy, the Minister said, aims at eliminating identity fraud and ensuring that only genuine vetted applicants are issued visas.

He also said that with the buy-in of the concerned countries, the policy will also discourage the use of unauthorised third-party agents who pose a grave national and international security risk.

He said, ?This policy, which employs full inter-agency backing, has three core objectives. One, to eliminate identity fraud and ensure that only genuine and vetted Nigerian applicants are issued visas by embassies and high commissions; Two, to discourage the use of unauthorised third-party agents who obtain and handle sensitive personal data outside government oversight, posing a grave national and international situation of risk.

?Three, to enhance mutual accountability by allowing countries with a destination to verify applicants in real time using Nigeria?s National Identification Number, NIN, as the primary reference point.?

He said Nigeria Is deploying this technology through a verified platform, GIILDSM, operating under the ASPAAR system, which is fully compliant with Nigerian data protection laws and global best practices.

He added that the policy ?is designed to interface directly with Nigeria?s national identity infrastructure to validate the authenticity of an applicant?s information.

?The policy is also designed to encourage missions to work out modalities of assurance and visa refunding policies as part of the emerging platform operating system.?

He therefore added, ?Our engagement today is a testament to Nigeria?s commitment to peace, in cooperation with the Gulf and wider Arab world, and to foster mutual respect in the implementation of policies that affect our citizens, with an emphasis on the dignity of Nigerians.

?Your Excellences, the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, in collaboration with Asfaar.ng, is committed to implementing the new consular biometric data verification policy aimed at protecting the integrity of our citizens, securing the visa application process, and facilitating seamless travel while safeguarding the sovereignty of all involved nations.?

He also stressed that ?this is not merely a domestic regulation. It is a cooperative tool for mutual benefit.

?It helps your embassies process legitimate applications faster, reducing risk. It helps us ensure that Nigerian nationals travelling abroad do so responsibly, legally and with pride and dignity. ?It enhances security for all stakeholders by limiting overstays, trafficking, impersonation and visa abuse.

Dousing fear of any selective policy, Tuggar said, ?Let me be clear, this policy is of general application, not targeted at any nation, but implemented uniformly across all consular missions.?

He, therefore, solicited their cooperation in ?aligning your visa issuance protocols with this framework. Nigeria is confident that with your wisdom and goodwill, you will understand that this move is not about control, but about credibility, coordination and collaboration.

?By working together, we protect the integrity of our consular processes and uphold the dignity of our citizens.?

He also urged them to assign officers to work with Asfaar.ng Your Excellencies, for the implementation of the process.

He noted that the platform connects seamlessly with Nigeria?s Identity Management Commission, Nigerian Immigration Service and other relevant agencies to conduct verification as a mandatory part of the application process for Nigerian citizens.

The policy he also stressed, ?Will discourage unauthorised agents from intercepting or managing visa processes outside official channels, and to share concerns or adjustments that may be required for your mission-specific needs.?

?This policy represents a new chapter of trust, transparency and technological innovation in Nigeria?s foreign management. Let us walk this path together.

Together, we build a future where borders serve security, not suspicion, and where mobility is a vehicle for growth, not grievance,? he added.

The policy already has the support and buy-in of the Ministry of Justice and, Ministry of Aviation. (The Nation)

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