Abasiubong Tom reporting for Nextreporter..
The United States President, Donald Trump has signed an executive order to allow all Nigerians nationals travel to the United States without visas.
The new order, serving as a change in visa policy for Nigerians traveling to the United States, would permit them stay in the U.S for a maximum period of 180 days for Tourism or Business purposes only. Stay over 180 days would therefore require a visa.
Trump says this measure is to strengthen trade between the United States and Nigerians.
However, Nigerians who hold dual nationality will be banned from entering the United States if their other passport is from Syria, Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen — the seven Muslim-majority countries “of concern”.
It has emerged that trade and bilateral visa deals have been discussed by Trump and Nigerians Diplomats in the States.
A source at the White House has hinted that Trump may revoke Australia’s opportunity of traveling to the United States without visas after cancelling all trade deals with the country.
Allowing Nigerians to the United States freely is not the only order signed into force by Trump since assuming office. He has signed five new executive orders – including one to expedite environmental review and approval of high-priority infrastructure projects.
@abasiubong_tom