HC Deb 17 February 1987 vol 110 c537W
Mr. Anderson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to meet the problems caused by the decision of the Nigerian Government to close the British visa office in Lagos; how many applicants he estimates to be affected by the decision; how much notice he was given of the decision; and what were the reasons given for it.

Mr. Eggar

Discussions are continuing with the Nigerian Government to seek solutions to a number of practical problems involving traffic and security at our new visa office in Lagos which the Nigerian Ministry of External Affairs raised with us on 11 February. Pending the outcome of these discussions, the new office is closed. In the meantime, only an emergency visa service for exceptional compassionate cases can be maintained. In the first week of the visa regime, we received 1,153 applications in Lagos. The Deputy High Commission in Kaduna continues to operate normal visa services.

Mr. Dubs

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the problems facing visa applicants seeking access to the British High Commission in Lagos.

Mr. Eggar

I refer the hon. Member to the reply that I gave to the hon. Member for Swansea, East (Mr. Anderson) earlier today.

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