Good News - UK Scraps 3,000 Pounds Visa Application Bond Plans

A popular Nigerian artiste, the late Bobby Benson sang a song about travelling abroad (outside the shores of Nigeria) in search of greener pastures or a better life. This song was very popular, that many of us grew up to learn about the song and the slogan 'Andrew, no check out o' commonly used for people interested in travelling for 'greener pasture' like it is commonly said in Nigeria :-). Well, your dreams are still intact...for those longing to visit the UK :-). The good news is that the UK 3,000 pounds visa application bond have been scrapped....continue reading...
According to CAJ News, "LOCALS have expressed excitement over reports that the British government has shelved its plan to force visitors from Nigeria and other “high-risk” countries to pay a cash bond of £3 000 before entering the country.

British media reported on Sunday that junior coalition partners, the Liberal Democrats, had blocked the scheme backed by Prime Minister David Cameron's Conservatives.

The government had been preparing to pilot a scheme requiring visitors from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Ghana and Nigeria to pay the deposit for a six-month visa. They would have to forfeit the money if they over stayed.

Reports in June had said the scheme would initially target thousands of visitors.

Olugbenga Ashiru, Nigerian former foreign minister, also said in June that the bond scheme was “not only discriminatory but also capable of undermining the spirit of the Commonwealth family.”

Reacting to the news about the scraping of the policy, some Nigerians described the move as a positive development.

They said that the policy would have dampened the relationship between Nigeria and Britain.

“I think that (reversal of plans) is the best thing to do. The idea was a bad one from the beginning. How can a country that should be seeking better relationship with other nations by stifling entering to its country with such intended Dracula policy. I am happy with the decision to reverse it," said Biodun Olubode, a public affairs analyst.

Olubode said Britain should look for alternative to check immigration abuse instead of hurting the long cordial relationship it had with other countries.

“Britain has a right to protect its citizens from perceived dangers from nationals of other countries. While that is not in doubt, there are better and many ways of doing that.

"Personally, I knew that the Visa bond approach was a bad idea that would have pitched Britain with affected countries,” he added.

Lagos-based lawyer, Allen Igbienedion, said he was excited about the decision to reverse the plans.

“I have always been against that policy. It was the most unreasonable and discriminatory policy I have seen in recent time.

"How can a country that is a major player in international politics ever consider such an idea in the first place? Whatever the case, I am glad that someone in that government is finally thinking well,” said Igbienedion.

A businessman, Lanre Bakare, expressed excitement. “I have been contemplating on stopping my business trips to Britain because of that policy. With this news, I will certainly continue my business there again,” he said" - reported by CAJ News via All Africa

Am happy this was scrapped as it would have affected in some way, the relationship between Nigeria and the UK. However, just to mention that...opportunities abound in this great land called Nigeria.
I leave you with a line from Bobby Benson's song...'Andrew no check out o! Nigeria go survive'! *wink*