Seychelles has imposed extensive travel restrictions on Nigerians following a surge in criminal activities, including drug-trafficking and internet fraud syndicates, according to Vice President Ahmed Afif.
The Seychelles immigration authorities have been directed to permit entry only to Nigerians with diplomatic passports and residential permits, while tourists and new immigrants from Nigeria have been indefinitely banned.
Vice President Afif highlighted the connection between Nigerians and various criminal incidents, citing recent cases where 13 individuals from Nigeria were arrested for smuggling drugs into Seychelles.
He also mentioned an instance where 62 Nigerians used false credit cards during their supposed vacation, causing financial losses for local establishments. Seychelles has been taking a stand against such criminal activities and aims to protect its citizens and businesses from the associated risks.
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These restrictions come in the wake of visa bans imposed on Nigeria by other countries, including the United Arab Emirates.
Nigeria has long battled a drug-trafficking image, which gained renewed attention when Bola Tinubu, accused of drug use and money laundering in the 1990s, was elected as Nigeria’s president earlier this year. It remains unclear if Seychelles authorities considered Tinubu’s background in their decision to restrict Nigerian entry.
Vice President Afif emphasized that Seychelles does not hold any grievances against Nigeria or its people but is concerned about the recent spike in criminal activities associated with Nigerians. The country aims to combat organized fraud syndicates that operate online scams and defraud institutions of significant amounts of money.
A meeting between Seychelles’ Foreign Minister Sylvestre Radegonde and the Nigerian ambassador has been scheduled to address the matter. The Nigerian foreign ministry has not yet responded to the issue.
