Amid concerns over the rapid spread of the Covid-19 omicron variant in African nations, western countries have begun placing an omicron travel ban on affected countries. Leading the pack are Canada, as well as the UK – both countries have placed a total travel restriction from Nigerians intending to visit their country.
The decision comes after the UK had placed Nigeria on their travel red list which meant that fully vaccinated Nigerians without UK citizenship or residence permit can not visit the country. The ban includes Nigerians visiting the country for the purpose of tourism, visiting family and/or friends, visiting for short-term business or study purposes (6 months or less) as well as those visiting to participate in a research or exchange program. Also affected are those intending to visit the country to seek private medical treatment.
Even those who already have valid visitor’s visas from the UK are affected by the ban. Those who have already had their biometrics taken at the Visa Application Centre (VAC) would be unable to request a refund of their visa application fees. Their application would instead continue to be held and only be considered when the omicron travel ban has been lifted.
The British High Commission made the UK government’s decision known in a statement released on Sunday the 5th of December, 2021. It said that the ban was placed in order to curb the further spread of the pandemic.
“To support the UK government’s aim to protect public health from COVID-19 and associated variants of concern (VOC), UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) will pause making decisions on visitor visa applications in all red list countries, including Nigeria, until travel restrictions are lifted,” the statement which ended with an apology read in part.
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The statement also pointed out the growing cases of Omicron in Nigeria saying that “Over the recent days, we have learned of a significant number of growing cases linked to travel with Nigeria. There are 27 cases already in England and that’s growing. Nigeria narrows second only to South Africa in terms of cases linked to Omicron.”
In the ban, the UK government has made a few exceptions saying that there are “very limited exemptions to travel and entry requirements for critical workers and medical and compassionate cases.”
Though the omicron variant, also known as B.1.1.529 lineage was first identified in South Africa, data has shown that the variant was already present in European countries and was fast spreading. As a result, the UK’s omicron travel ban has been met with criticisms.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank Group has condemned the ban.
“Now that omicron has been found in many non-African and developed countries, why are travels from those countries not banned? Why single out African countries? Singling out African countries is very unfair, non-scientific, and discriminatory. Lift bans on African countries!” Adesina said in a statement.
He added that “Global vaccines’ and travel apartheid against Africa are endangering lives, hurting economies, lives, jobs, and livelihoods, from a pandemic Africa did not cause. End the apartheid. Respect Africa!”
Joining Nigeria in the list of countries affected by the ban includes South Africa whose president Cyril Ramaphosa has called western countries “hypocrites” for the ban. The president said that the ban which the UN has labeled “travel apartheid” would have devastating impacts on her economy which is heavily dependent on tourism – a sector that has been battling for recovery since the pandemic.
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