ABUJA — The Federal Government and the Canadian authorities have agreed to establish a joint technical working group to address delays in the processing of Canadian visa applications by Nigerians and develop a framework for the removal of individuals without legal status in Canada.
The Head of Press and Public Relations at the Ministry of Interior, Mary Ali, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja following a meeting between the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani, and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Canadian High Commission, David Sproule.
The meeting focused on persistent delays in the processing of Canadian visa applications submitted by Nigerians, as well as opportunities arising from the expansion of the Nigeria-Canada Air Transport Agreement.
Ajani, who represented the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said lengthy visa processing times had created difficulties for Nigerians, particularly students.
She noted that some Nigerian students had been unable to travel to Canada in time to begin their academic programmes because of delays in obtaining study permits, despite having their visa applications approved.
According to her, the challenges require sustained dialogue and stronger institutional cooperation between Nigeria and Canada.
The officials also discussed the expansion of the Air Transport Agreement, which is expected to pave the way for direct flights between Nigeria and Canada. Such flights would eliminate the need for travellers to connect through European countries or the United States.
Both sides expressed optimism that improved air connectivity would strengthen commercial relations and make international travel more convenient for citizens of both countries.
The meeting also addressed migration management, particularly the proposed development of a Standard Operating Procedure between Nigerian authorities and the Canada Border Services Agency for the removal of persons who do not have legal status in Canada.
Ajani assured the Canadian delegation that Nigeria would nominate relevant officials to work with their Canadian counterparts and facilitate the establishment of the joint technical working group.
She reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation with Canada in the areas of immigration, travel facilitation and border management.
The permanent secretary also appealed to Canadian authorities to give the concerns of Nigerian visa applicants due and timely consideration.
Responding, Sproule acknowledged the concerns surrounding visa processing delays, describing the issue as a significant pressure point in relations between the two countries.
He assured the Nigerian delegation that the concerns would be communicated to the relevant Canadian immigration authorities, with the aim of improving processing times and ensuring that Nigeria receives appropriate attention within the Canadian visa-processing system.
Both countries agreed on the need for a small technical working group to drive further discussions and maintain regular engagement among relevant government agencies.
Sproule welcomed the openness of the Nigerian delegation and commended the ministry’s commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation between Nigeria and Canada.
