LaudableXX:



The charges are for foreigners trying to enter Nigeria, with foreign passports and does not apply to Nigerians with Nigerian passports. So what is the problem? A number of other countries charge similar fees for similar purposes, and many Nigerians gladly pay such fees at the entry point of those countries, without any murmuring or complaints. So why is everyone now complaining about NIS doing the same thing, a number of other nations have been doing for the past few years?

I have paid $45 USD for visa on arrival at the entry point of another African country before, and I witnessed many other travellers doing so freely, without any issue. But why is it that when it comes to our own shores, everyone complains without thinking? It is NOT by force to come to Naija, o!

Yes, Some countries charge for visa on arrival, however this was different. Travellers had already paid for visas, the biometric was an additional charge (plus a $20 administration charge), neither were they pre-informed. Only animals in jungle implement changes like we do in Nigeria. Such shambles!!!

Causing more hardship to people is what dis administration no best...

Apc hustling for campaign funds.

Thank you for this. Many people do not understand the process yet comment.

LaudableXX:



The charges are for foreigners trying to enter Nigeria, with foreign passports and does not apply to Nigerians with Nigerian passports. So what is the problem? A number of other countries charge similar fees for similar purposes, and many Nigerians gladly pay such fees at the entry point of those countries, without any murmuring or complaints. So why is everyone now complaining about NIS doing the same thing, a number of other nations have been doing for the past few years?

I have paid $45 USD for visa on arrival at the entry point of another African country before, and I witnessed many other travellers doing so freely, without any issue. But why is it that when it comes to our own shores, everyone complains without thinking? It is NOT by force to come to Naija, o!

AroOkigbo:
Some the notable countries with biometric charges on Nigerian travellers include the United Kingdom, United States of
America, South Africa, Kenya and China among others.


I have not been to Kenya and China but in UK, US and SA, biometrics upon arrival is Free

in fact ,you will do it yourself and walk away.

The United States does not charge biometric whatever on arrival. This is completely false. once you have your us visa then that's all you need.

maybe the UK and their crap of a nation does.

debenzd:
Thank you for this. Many people do not understand the process yet comment.

it's not good policy to just implement something without ample notice.

People wey get beta country dey charge you sef wan charge on top your shithole country. I neva see.

thedondada:
Thief people.

Trying to collect from the little we have.


All the one they have generated what did they use it for.

Are you a foreigner?

Does it mean that this person didnt read that the foreigners have ALREADY PAID and gotten a visa before they left their shores. Some people are just so desperate to defend this govt that they can't even comprehend information.

LaudableXX:



The charges are for foreigners trying to enter Nigeria, with foreign passports and does not apply to Nigerians with Nigerian passports. So what is the problem? A number of other countries charge similar fees for similar purposes, and many Nigerians gladly pay such fees at the entry point of those countries, without any murmuring or complaints. So why is everyone now complaining about NIS doing the same thing, a number of other nations have been doing for the past few years?

I have paid $45 USD for visa on arrival at the entry point of another African country before, and I witnessed many other travellers doing so freely, without any issue. But why is it that when it comes to our own shores, everyone complains without thinking? It is NOT by force to come to Naija, o!

LaudableXX:



The charges are for foreigners trying to enter Nigeria, with foreign passports and does not apply to Nigerians with Nigerian passports. So what is the problem? A number of other countries charge similar fees for similar purposes, and many Nigerians gladly pay such fees at the entry point of those countries, without any murmuring or complaints. So why is everyone now complaining about NIS doing the same thing, a number of other nations have been doing for the past few years?

I have paid $45 USD for visa on arrival at the entry point of another African country before, and I witnessed many other travellers doing so freely, without any issue. But why is it that when it comes to our own shores, everyone complains without thinking? It is NOT by force to come to Naija, o!

Oga this is not visa on arrival
Is after u have a valid visa
U land in Nigeria
They still want to do biometric on u
And u will be charged another $90

This country ehh. You go just dey hear policy wey no make sense even sef some of this policy maker no ever enter Togo. All my travels to the UK biometric on arrival was done and it’s been free for the 6 travels. Abeg make NIS park for one corner

I support Nigerian government on this move 100 %

LaudableXX:



The charges are for foreigners trying to enter Nigeria, with foreign passports and does not apply to Nigerians with Nigerian passports. So what is the problem? A number of other countries charge similar fees for similar purposes, and many Nigerians gladly pay such fees at the entry point of those countries, without any murmuring or complaints. So why is everyone now complaining about NIS doing the same thing, a number of other nations have been doing for the past few years?

I have paid $45 USD for visa on arrival at the entry point of another African country before, and I witnessed many other travellers doing so freely, without any issue. But why is it that when it comes to our own shores, everyone complains without thinking? It is NOT by force to come to Naija, o!

After paying almost $200 for visa, you will land in Nigeria and be asked to pay a further $110? It's wrong. It should be strictly for those that need visa on arrival in Nigeria and should be based on what the home country charges not a blanket fee.

USA does not charge biometric fees.... you present your passport, they ask you a few questions and if everything lines up, they stamp you in and you are on your way.

LaudableXX:



The charges are for foreigners trying to enter Nigeria, with foreign passports and does not apply to Nigerians with Nigerian passports. So what is the problem? A number of other countries charge similar fees for similar purposes, and many Nigerians gladly pay such fees at the entry point of those countries, without any murmuring or complaints. So why is everyone now complaining about NIS doing the same thing, a number of other nations have been doing for the past few years?

I have paid $45 USD for visa on arrival at the entry point of another African country before, and I witnessed many other travellers doing so freely, without any issue. But why is it that when it comes to our own shores, everyone complains without thinking? It is NOT by force to come to Naija, o!

These folks are not paying for visa on arrival. They’ve already paid and obtained a Nigerian visa at a consulate overseas. Everywhere in the world, no one charges for biometrics at the point of entry. I’ve been pretty much all over the world and I”ve never had to pay for biometrics. I’ve paid for visa on arrival upon arrival in some Caribbean countries but that was because I didn’t have a visa and the fee is usually about $10-$20.

The way it was explained to me was visa on arrival was only available to people doing business in Nigeria. I got a visitors visa before leaving for Nigeria. It was a pain in the ass. There are only 5 of these OIS Services in all of the US. I had to buy a plane ticket and fly to one of these offices. I spent an actual 10 minutes in their office just to pay $90 for them to take my fingerprints. It was ridiculous. Everything else was done online including paying for the visa. It almost cost me as much to get the visa as it did flying to Nigeria. Not a good way to increase tourism in Nigeria.

The issue isn't the fee, it's the manner in which it is being implemented with people caught unawares after arriving.

Such a policy should be properly communicated (if only we can maintain up to date government websites) so people know ahead and can decide if they still want to travel to Nigeria or not.

Some people will even think it's just immigration officials truing to shake them up and not believe it's a true government policy.

LaudableXX:



The charges are for foreigners trying to enter Nigeria, with foreign passports and does not apply to Nigerians with Nigerian passports. So what is the problem? A number of other countries charge similar fees for similar purposes, and many Nigerians gladly pay such fees at the entry point of those countries, without any murmuring or complaints. So why is everyone now complaining about NIS doing the same thing, a number of other nations have been doing for the past few years?

I have paid $45 USD for visa on arrival at the entry point of another African country before, and I witnessed many other travellers doing so freely, without any issue. But why is it that when it comes to our own shores, everyone complains without thinking? It is NOT by force to come to Naija, o!

AreaFada2:
Guy visa on arrival is different. In this case of 9ja people already paid for visa and the processing fees in their country and have a visa in their passport before coming to Nigeria.

For a UK citizen coming to visit his Nigerian in-laws for example, immigration fee, embassy fee and processing fee of outsourcing company for a visa to just visit can be over £350 to £400! Enough to pay for 3 days holiday break in Morocco covering both flight and hotel. No visa needed. So how can that visitor persuade his friends to visit Nigeria (to see Eyo festival in Lagos, Igue festival in Benin, Argungu festival, Ofalla Festival in Onitsha, Osun Festival or to visit Obudu Cattle Ranch or Yankari G. R.) instead of Tunisia, Morocco or Balearic Islands?

Also remember that most foreigners coming to Nigeria have ties with Nigeria : spouse of a Nigerian, grandkid of a Nigerian, mother of a Nigerian, etc.

Many are even Nigerians but cannot get booklet at 9ja embassies/High Commissions that issue passport in their country of residence. Some may not know that they can get a TC instead.

There are many countries serious about tourism and attracting foreign dollars. Like Morocco and Tunisia. They let Westerners come in visa free even though such gesture is not reciprocated. They just want rich Westerners to come in and spend hard currency. Just show accommodation/hotel booking proof, enough money to cover stay, etc. Their citizens on average live a better and longer life than Nigerians. We need to be pragmatic, not dogmatic.

Oga, Nigerians wishing to visit the UK, also pay different fees for different classes of visas, when they want to visit. For an ordinary single entry visa, it is slightly over 200 USD. And at some foreign embassies, you cannot pay visa fees in Naira, even within your own country. If you want a refund, they deduct all they can from what you initially paid, before returning a fraction of the fees to you, at official rate.

Please let us stop waving the tourism flag as an excuse, especially since foreign countries that are serious about tourism, do NOT give Nigerians any special concessions. Any welcome mat meant for tourists, is hardly ever extended to Nigerians. The minute they see that green passport, another story kicks in and you are scrutinised to an inch of your life, as if you came to their country on an offensive mission.

As a Nigerian tourist, apply for a visa at some embassies, without producing an invitation letter or evidence of hotel accomodation already fully paid....the way they would eye you, and proceed to bounce you & your passport, you will feel sorry for yourself. Yet in some cases, such requirements are not imposed on those who carry foreign Western passports, at the same embassies. If you see the hardships inflicted on Nigerians, because of our green passports at some of these embassies and at their entry points, you would not feel sorry for their nationals when they decide to visit Naija, and are given similar treatment. No need for long story.

Sparky223:
The way it was explained to me was visa on arrival was only available to people doing business in Nigeria. I got a visitors visa before leaving for Nigeria. It was a pain in the ass. There are only 5 of these OIS Services in all of the US. I had to buy a plane ticket and fly to one of these offices. I spent an actual 10 minutes in their office just to pay $90 for them to take my fingerprints. It was ridiculous. Everything else was done online including paying for the visa. It almost cost me as much to get the visa as it did flying to Nigeria. Not a good way to increase tourism in Nigeria.

In how many places in Nigeria, does the American consulate issue US visas? Are there up to 5? And do you know the stress it takes to get a US visa, on a Nigerian passport? It is also a blo*dy pain in the ass.

tsmith:
Yes, Some countries charge for visa on arrival, however this was different. Travellers had already paid for visas, the biometric was an additional charge (plus a $20 administration charge), neither were they pre-informed. Only animals in jungle implement changes like we do in Nigeria. Such shambles!!!

ttmacoy:
The issue isn't the fee, it's the manner in which it is being implemented with people caught unawares after arriving.

Such a policy should be properly communicated (if only we can maintain up to date government websites) so people know ahead and can decide if they still want to travel to Nigeria or not.

Some people will even think it's just immigration officials truing to shake them up and not believe it's a true government policy.

johnkent:
These folks are not paying for visa on arrival. They’ve already paid and obtained a Nigerian visa at a consulate overseas. Everywhere in the world, no one charges for biometrics at the point of entry. I’ve been pretty much all over the world and I”ve never had to pay for biometrics. I’ve paid for visa on arrival upon arrival in some Caribbean countries but that was because I didn’t have a visa and the fee is usually about $10-$20.

XX01:
After paying almost $200 for visa, you will land in Nigeria and be asked to pay a further $110? It's wrong. It should be strictly for those that need visa on arrival in Nigeria and should be based on what the home country charges not a blanket fee.

tiredoflife:
Oga this is not visa on arrival
Is after u have a valid visa
U land in Nigeria
They still want to do biometric on u
And u will be charged another $90

Noted. Thanks for the correction. But my response was based on the OP's article which stated that: "The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has suspended the collection of $90 biometric Visa-On- Arrival policy it introduced about two weeks ago at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos...." My initial understanding was that those applying for visa on arrival, would pay the $90 USD, while foreigners with an already valid visa, were just charged a $20 USD processing fee.

I had to do biometrics in order to get my vistors Visa in the US. Are you saying they were trying to get people to do biometrics twice?

LaudableXX:

Oga, Nigerians wishing to visit the UK, also pay different fees for different classes of visas, when they want to visit. For an ordinary single entry visa, it is slightly over 200 USD. And at some foreign embassies, you cannot pay visa fees in Naira, even within your own country. If you want a refund, they deduct all they can from what you initially paid, before returning a fraction of the fees to you, at official rate.

Please let us stop waving the tourism flag, as an excuse, especially since foreign countries that are serious about tourism, do NOT give Nigerians any special concessions. In fact, if you tell them you are a Nigerian tourist in some embassies, without producing an invitation letter or evidence of hotel accomodation already fully paid, the way they would eye you and proceed to bounce you & your passport, you will feel sorry for yourself. If you see the hardships inflicted on Nigerians, because of our green passports at some of these embassies and at their entry points, you would not feel sorry for their nationals when they decide to visit Naija, and are given similar treatment.

This mentality you expressed here is keeping Nigeria in the dark. Look, within a generation, Chinese have moved from unwanted immigrants to those highly desired as tourists. That even UK that is outside Schengen is collaborating with Schengen countries to include UK in Schengen visas specially for the Chinese! Any credible country tourists come from gets concessions from destination countries. Most Nigerian over-stayers abroad go as visitors/tourists.
Trying to form reciprocation when you are clearly in a position of weakness, from where you cannot win is wishful thinking. Use your head.

Nobody outside Nigeria inflicted any hardship on Nigerians. Bad governance that created poverty did. When our economy was better, we needed no visa to many countries. Newly rich countries in the Far East Asia are getting visa waiver with Western countries. Fix your economy & people will not see you as potential economic migrants.

AreaFada2:
This mentality you expressed here is keeping Nigeria in the dark. Look, within a generation, Chinese have moved from unwanted immigrants to those highly desired as tourists. That even UK that is outside Schengen is collaborating with Schengen countries to include UK in Schengen visas specially for the Chinese! Any credible tourist country gets concessions from destination countries/ Most Nigerian over-stayers abroad go on visitors/tourists.
Trying to form reciprocation when you are clearly in a position of weakness, from where you cannot win. Use your head.

Nobody inflicted any hardship on Nigerians. Bad governance that created poverty did. When our economy was better, we needed no visa to many countries. Newly rich countries in Far East Asia are getting visa waiver with Western countries. Fix your economy & people will not see you as potential economic migrants.

Oga, na God I take beg you.... instead of trying slavishly to promote colonial mentality, kindly depart from my mentions. In diplomatic circles, there is something called the law of reciprocity. A country cannot treat me and my fellow citizens like crap or horsesh*it, simply because I hold a green passport, and then expect me and my own immigration services to treat them like royalty, because they carry a foreign passport. The law of reciprocity applies. As I speak, Botswana citizens do not need a visa to go to the UK, for visits that do not extend beyond 90 days.

If I stand in a foreign immigration queue with a fellow African from Botswana, my passport would be scrutinised as if it was contraband, while the other chap gets ushered in, with a smile and a wave. Yet you are making it seem I must grin and bear it, while I kiss the arse of the citizens of such foreign countries? Nah...

Until the economy of my country is fixed, citizens of such foreign Western countries should NOT expect deference or any royal treatment from my own country. No be by force! It is silly to think I should kow-tow to you because you are visiting my land as a foreign citizen, while your own nation treats my citizens, like dung.

VULCAN:
Does it mean that this person didnt read that the foreigners have ALREADY PAID and gotten a visa before they left their shores. Some people are just so desperate to defend this govt that they can't even comprehend information.

Does it mean that this person above did not read and understand, that the $90 USD biometric visa-on-arrival fee applies to those seeking a visa on arrival, while those with already valid visas from Nigerian embassies in their home countries, were only charged a $20 USD processing fee? Some folks are just desperate to ridicule everyone they meet online, that they cannot comprehend information.

LaudableXX:


Oga, na God I take beg you.... instead of trying slavishly to promote colonial mentality, kindly depart from my mentions. In diplomatic circles, there is something called the law of reciprocity. A country cannot treat me and my fellow citizens like crap or horsesh*it, simply because I hold a green passport, and then expect me and my own immigration services to treat them like royalty, because they carry a foreign passport. The law of reciprocity applies. As I speak, Botswana citizens do not need a visa to go to the UK, for visits that do not extend beyond 90 days.

If I stand in a foreign immigration queue with a fellow African from Botswana, my passport would be scrutinised as if it was contraband, while the other chap gets ushered in, with a smile and a wave. Yet you are making it seem I must grin and bear it, while I kiss the arse of the citizens of such foreign countries? Nah...

Until the economy of my country is fixed, citizens of such foreign Western countries should NOT expect deference or any royal treatment from my own country. No be by force! It is silly to think I should kow-tow to you because you are visiting my land as a foreign citizen, while your own nation treats my citizens, like dung.

You do not get it. So all the politicians and military junta that impoverished and enslaved Nigerians over the decades treated Nigerians like human beings, right? So it does not occur to you that in a country whole villages are eliminated by herdsmen while their leaders sing and dance at Eagle Square, not country will respect leaders or citizens from such a country? Or a country where their president go abroad and say the country is corrupt and its youth are lazy?

Respect and value yourself through deed and actions and everyone will respect you.

Chinese and Japanese were derided as little yellow monkeys just decades ago by Westerns. They got their acts together and now have massive respect worldwide.
Nobody owes you any respect. You have to earn it.

I saw Eastern Europeans being delayed at borders just 20 years ago. Now they are mostly part of EU.

The point remains Nigerians came to be treated with suspicion everywhere as the economy and country went down, making millions travel anyhow and some doing all kinds of things for money. Some have been terrible ambassadors causing increased hostility.
Only us can change it positively. Not reciprocation due to dogma.
Flashing colonial mentality card will not cut it because we depend on oyinbo for almost everything. Be self sufficient first. Drive innoson, use made in Nigeria goods only.

AreaFada2:
You do not get it. So all the politicians and military junta that impoverished and enslaved Nigerians over the decades treated Nigerians like human beings, right? So it does not occur to you that in a country whole villages are eliminated by herdsmen while their leaders sing and dance at Eagle Square, not country will respect leaders or citizens from such a country? Or a country where their president go abroad and say the country is corrupt and its youth are lazy?

Respect and value yourself through deed and actions and everyone will respect you.

Chinese and Japanese were derided as little yellow monkeys just decades ago by Westerns. They got their acts together and now have massive respect worldwide.
Nobody owes you any respect. You have to earn it.

I saw Eastern Europeans being delayed at borders just 20 years ago. Now they are mostly part of EU.

The point remains Nigerians came to be treated with suspicion everywhere as the economy and country went down, making millions travel anyhow and some doing all kinds of things for money. Some have been terrible ambassadors causing increased hostility.
Only us can change it positively. Not reciprocation due to dogma.
Flashing colonial mentality card will not cut it because we depend on oyinbo for almost everything. Be self sufficient first. Drive innoson, use made in Nigeria goods only.

Oga stop it...you are the one who still does not get it. Every country, relates with the rest of the world based on its' own enlightened self-interest, and whatever best suits the interests of its citizens. Only a stupid country with no sense, will allow its citizens to be treated like mini-criminals by another country, while it treats the citizens of that other country, like royalty simply because it wants to curry some misplaced favour with them. It has nothing to do with how wealthy a particular country is, or isn't. It is called Diplomacy 101. Ask any good student of international relations.

The citizens of Eastern Europe got a free pass to travel to most parts of the West, because their countries joined the European Union (EU) which promoted free movement to a large extent, among its members, not because their countries became rich overnight. The EU as a continental bloc, also signed agreements with other regional blocs to promote trade, defence and migration agreements which benefited its member states and their citizens. The whole arrangement had very little to do with how prosperous such nations were...it was more about how strategic those countries were, and also about promoting a common interest, on a continental level. Greece is almost bankrupt today, but its citizens are not treated like the dregs of the world, are they? Now please for the last time, kindly get off my mentions....if you do not mind.

I don't think this is too much, in fact it should be increase. I just paid $567 for a two year UK visa. Imagine that the British colonize us yet charging us hell to enter their country for a legitimate reason while countries colonize by France was given free visa to enter. Please let them increase the fee.

nwakibie3:
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), has suspended the collection of $90 biometric Visa-On- Arrival policy it introduced about two weeks ago at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

The policy had sparked controversy and protest by some incoming passengers – who without prior knowledge of the policy – refused to pay the $90 to the NIS.

The introduction of the charges also caused chaos at the MMIA terminal especially in situations where the NIS officials had to delay some of the passengers on arrival at the airport for refusing to pay the money. Most of the dissenting passengers had faulted the NIS for introducing the $90 biometric visa on arrival as well as an additional $20 as processing fee for foreigners who were entering the country in spite of the fact that such passengers had already paid for visas from

their respective countries. Daily Sun learnt yesterday that the biometric, which came on stream on June 12, was only implemented for two days, but had been suspended following complaints from some of the travellers who protested the lack of publicity prior to the commencement of the new policy.

Immigration sources told Daily Sun that the biometric Visa-On-Arrival charges was however being handled by Online Integrated Service (OIS), while the process charges is handled by New Works Limited.

The source explained that the biometric charges were introduced as a reciprocity given that some countries around the world were already charging Nigerians such fees upon entering their countries.

Some the notable countries with biometric charges on Nigerian travellers include the United Kingdom, United States of America, South Africa, Kenya and China among others.


http://sunnewsonline.com/immigration-suspends-controversial-90-biometric-visa-policy/

LaudableXX:

Oga stop it...you are the one who still does not get it. Every country, relates with the rest of the world based on its' own enlightened self-interest, and whatever best suits the interests of its citizens. Only a stupid country with no sense, will allow its citizens to be treated like mini-criminals by another country, while it treats the citizens of that other country, like royalty simply because it wants to curry some misplaced favour with them. It has nothing to do with how wealthy a particular country is, or isn't. It is called Diplomacy 101. Ask any good student of international relations.

The citizens of Eastern Europe got a free pass to travel to most parts of the West, [b]because their countries joined the European Union (EU) which promoted free movement to a large extent, among its members, not because their countries became rich overnight.[/b] The EU as a continental bloc, also signed agreements with other regional blocs to promote trade, defence and migration agreements which benefited its member states and their citizens. The whole arrangement had very little to do with how prosperous such nations were...it was more about how strategic those countries were, and also about promoting a common interest, on a continental level. Greece is almost bankrupt today, but its citizens are not treated like the dregs of the world, are they? Now please for the last time, kindly get off my mentions....if you do not mind.

In your diplomatic wisdom, Eastern Europeans were just admitted into EU without meeting any conditions that included economy among others? So why have Albania, Armenia, Moldova, & Serbia and others not been admitted?

I will not mention Turkey because you might claim religion is the reason.

Which country has not faced near bankruptcy at some point? But you wouldn't know why Greece ended up in a dilemma after a massive growth compared to 30 years earlier.

I will stop commenting when I want. It is a free forum.

You gain respect by how your country treats you. If a country treats its people like poo, foreign countries will do same.

They have already made at least N20 billion in two days from this motive

AreaFada2:
In your diplomatic wisdom, Eastern Europeans were just admitted into EU without meeting any conditions that included economy among others? So why have Albania, Armenia, Moldova, & Serbia and others not been admitted?

I will not mention Turkey because you might claim religion is the reason.

Which country has not faced near bankruptcy at some point? But you wouldn't know why Greece ended up in a dilemma after a massive growth compared to 30 years earlier.

I will stop commenting when I want. It is a free forum.

You gain respect by how your country treats you. If a country treats its people like poo, foreign countries will do same.

Oga, you really need to educate yourself when it comes to the world of international politics, so that you can realise it is an intricate game played by countries to derive the highest gain, that feeds their own interests. It would take ages to lecture you about the politics playing out in the case of Albania, Armenia, Moldova, & Serbia - due to the stronghold Russia has on those countries within that region, and its constant face-off with other Western nations. I am glad you understand that Turkey's issue is more religious than political. Some Arab countries have oppressive regimes and their citizens have quite limited freedoms, (in fact they treat them like poo) yet they are actively courted by the West for various reasons ranging from strategic, to economic to political ones.

Now for the umpteenth time, when are you going to get off my mentions? You can continue commenting without quoting me, or is that too hard for you to do, simply because you are obsessed with wanting lesser developed countries to worship citizens with Western passports?

LaudableXX:


Oga, you really need to educate yourself when it comes to the world of international politics, so that you can realise it is an intricate game played by countries to derive the highest gain, that feeds their own interests. It would take ages to lecture you about the politics playing out in the case of Albania, Armenia, Moldova, & Serbia - due to the stronghold Russia has on those countries within that region, and its constant face-off with other Western nations. I am glad you understand that Turkey's issue is more religious than political. Some Arab countries have oppressive regimes and their citizens have quite limited freedoms, (in fact they treat them like poo) yet they are actively courted by the West for various reasons ranging from strategic, to economic to political ones.

Now for the umpteenth time, when are you going to get off my mentions? You can continue commenting without quoting me, or is that too hard for you to do, simply because you are obsessed with wanting lesser developed countries to worship citizens with Western passports?

Your ignorance is staggering. What do you know about international politics? Which universities did you study politics in? How much international exposure have you even?

Do you even know the people who historically shaped international diplomacy? Would you know how Mitternich, Castlereagh or Hardenberg and others helped to lay the foundation for modern diplomacy, without checking Google? Certainly not.

You're talking of reciprocity as if every country can use it effectively. USA is about to deport 7,000 Ghanians, how many Americans can Ghana deport in reciprocation? If USA decides to deport 25,000 Nigerians today, how many Americans can Nigeria deport in reply? Use your head.

So if you know that the point of appendix pain/incision is McBurney's point does it mean you know anything about doing appendectomy?
Or if you just know that DNA can be amplified, does it mean you the first or last thing about doing PCR?

You're happing on Diplomacy 101, what of 202 to 606? You think mundane and basic kindergarten stuff is what diplomacy is all about/
That you even need google to prove "reciprocity" means you either have very little real life experience or exposure. All I see is sour grapes. Someone furious about being screened carefully at airports but not interested in how we caused it ourselves. You cannot have Abacha loot billions, 419 everywhere, prostitution, many hanged in Asia for drugs yearly and not expect people to be suspicious. The world is not fair. Deal with it.

You cannot do things that re-enforce stereotypes and prejudices knowing how biased the world already is. It is your duty to be good ambassadors so that over time things will improve. Far Easterners faced similar stuff but they rose above it. Even 0.5 % of bad eggs is enough to ruin reputation.

As regard Albania, have you been to any of those countries you mentioned? I visited two of those countries among others in former East Block soon after the end of cold war to see for myself. Poland where Warsaw Pact was signed is now part of EU. Russia could not stop Latvia or Lithuania that were formerly part of USSR joining EU. Any country in Eastern Europe that makes enough economic, social, democratic and human rights progress can join EU. Even Ukraine!

Talking of "lecturing" is rich from you. Can you even teach kindergarten kids in a country with proper regulations? May be at Auntie Gbemi Nursery School in Bariga or Mushin.
Again, I will reply as long as I want.