TVC NEWS [ABUJA]- The United Kingdom has rescinded its plan to place a £3,000 bond on Nigerians seeking entry to the country, spokesman for Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Ministry disclosed this on Monday [June 24].

Meanwhile, The Sunday Times of London had quoted UK Home Secretary Theresa May as saying that a pilot scheme that would target visitors from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and Ghana would take off in November under which travellers from those countries would pay a cash deposit of £3,000 to deter immigration abuse. They will forfeit the money if they overstay their visas.

The spokesman for the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Abuja, Ode Ogbole, in a text message was reported saying: "It's been rescinded". He did not give further details and did not answer subsequent telephone calls, according to Nigeria's Daily Trust Newspaper.

Another official of the ministry who pleaded anonymity said that a message from the UK government rescinding the plan had been sent to the Presidency.

Foreign Affairs Minister Olugbenga Ashiru had earlier on Monday [June 24] told journalists at the ministerial platform commemorating the mid-term anniversary of the Jonathan administration that no official communication had been received from the British government by Nigeria on the subject.

He assured Nigerians of government's readiness to defend and protect them all over the world but urged them to always conduct themselves in a manner that will portray Nigeria in good image.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee has described the proposed UK entry bond as discriminatory and unacceptable.

"This is totally discriminatory and unacceptable. It is targeted to non-white Commonwealth. We would take a critical look at the policy as it affects Nigerians and come up with a way forward," committee chairman Rep. Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje (PDP Abia) said in a statement.

"We agreed totally with the UK Foreign Minister that the policy is totally unworkable and impractical. It is contrary to the commitment
made to our President by David Cameron during their last meeting. We believe it is for political reason ahead of general election. We seek that our long historical relationship should take precedence over political expediency," Ukeje said.

http://www.tvcnews.tv/?q=article/uk-cancels-%C2%A33000-entry-bond-nigerian-immigrants

I just heard a confirmation of this on AIT, I think this should be a good news to many people.

Dem no dey tell blind man say rain dey fall...

They felt the heat.

emmysenior: Dem no dey tell blind man rain dey fall...

They felt the heat.

I wonder if the heat is from the concerted efforts of the countries affected or just the threat of a "reprisal" from the Nigerian govt.

PHIPEX: I wonder if the heat is from the concerted efforts of the countries affected or just the threat of a "reprisal" from the Nigerian govt.

I think they felt the heat from the Nigeria govt. Been that out of all the countries involve. The nigeria govt where the only one who could stand up to them

It was one of those goverment announcements made to calm right wing nutters. It is unworkable. It would be very costly to enforce. There are so many loopholes. When will they give you back the money? What if you claim interests in a court of law? How would they know that the person that they are giving back the money to is the person that gave it in the first place?

Then there is the question of affordability. Most people that are good enough to afford £3000 to start a business with might decide to go to other countries like ireland instead. This is detrimental to UK economy as it is an island. The cheap labour coming from these "poor" countries will cease forcing wages up. Another economic crisis. Then there will be retaliations from the affected countries. There are so many things that are negative about this policy which is why no other country has ever implemented it.

UK needs immigrants. Not the other round. Thay had to rescind it.

vizboy: I think they felt the heat from the Nigeria govt. Been that out of all the countries involve. The nigeria govt where the only one who could stand up to them

Don't underestimate the power of India today.