The British High Commission says it will “pause making
decisions” on visitor visa applications from all red list countries, which
includes Nigeria.
The decision was announced in a statement issued by the
commission on Sunday.
The development comes hours after the UK added Nigeria to
its travel red list.
“To support the UK Government’s aim to protect public health from COVID-19 and associated variants of concern (VOC), UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) will pause making decisions on visitor visa applications in all red list countries, including Nigeria, until travel restrictions are lifted,” the statement reads.
“Visit visas cover
travel to the UK for tourism, visiting family and friends, undertaking
short-term business activities (for example, attending meetings), undertaking
short-term studies (under 6 months), taking part in research or exchange
programmes as an academic, medical reasons (for example, receiving private
medical treatment).
“If you apply for a visit visa in a red list country and you
meet the UK Immigration Rules, your application will be paused. You will not
receive a decision on your visit visa application whilst red list travel
restrictions remain in place.
“You will not be able to request a refund of your visa fee
once you have given your biometrics at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). If you
already hold a valid visit visa and are intending to travel to England as a
visitor from a red list country, you will not be allowed to enter.
“Separate guidance is
available for travellers entering Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Use
https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control and
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/red-list-of-countries-and-territories.”
The commission said visas or entry permits from red list
countries will only be issued where there are compelling and compassionate circumstances.
“There are only very limited exemptions to travel and entry
requirements for critical workers and medical and compassionate cases,” the
statement reads.
“If you have submitted a visit visa application and you do
not wish to withdraw, we will continue to hold your application.
“If you choose to
continue with your visa application, you will not receive a decision on your
visit visa whilst red list travel restrictions remain in place.”
Persons interested in applying on compassionate grounds can
find more information on the process here.
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