The British High Commission in Nigeria has announced it is beginning a visa facilitation centre in Enugu from Wednesday 13 September.
However, the facilitation centre will serve as an enquiry desk, application submission and visa collection centre on a trial basis for the first three months. The Commission says the service will be offered only twice-a-week for now.
“Demand for visa services will be carefully monitored and service reviewed/expanded should there be sufficient volumes. TLS will trial this location for at least 3 months to assess uptake of the service and enable decisions on continuation,” it said.
The facility will operate from Omedel Luxury Hotel, 4/6 Link Road off Pascal and Jerk, Independence Layout, Enugu.
A typical tourist visa application could cost as high as N246,250.00, which includes a Premium Lounge appointment, courier return, SMS notifications, general customer support and guidance.
Until now, travelers from Eastern Nigeria seeking UK visas must go to Abuja, Lagos or Port Harcourt.
The Enugu government has hailed the UK decision as the result of the diplomatic initiative of Governor Peter Mbah. In June, while receiving a delegation of UK diplomats the governor made a passionate case for the return of the visa centre which previously was in Enugu until the late 1990’s
Secretary to the government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia remarked, “The Enugu State Government therefore looks forward to a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with the UK, as the visa centre would help cement the relationship”, he added.
Enugu serves as the political capital of Eastern Nigeria.
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