Dare Babalola
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has confirmed that three Nigerians who were held up at an airport in South Africa have now been cleared and are on their way back home.
In a statement released late Sunday, the Commission disclosed that the travellers departed South Africa and were scheduled to arrive in Lagos on Monday morning.
While expressing relief over the development, NIDCOM highlighted underlying issues that contributed to the incident, particularly the growing dependence on unregulated visa agents.
“While we welcome their safe return, the incident underscores several recurring challenges, especially the over-reliance on unregulated visa agents,” the Commission stated.
It explained that such agents often handle critical parts of visa applications without the applicants’ full awareness.
“These agents often collect applicants’ passport data pages and complete sections of the visa application particularly on purpose of visit, itinerary, accommodation, and ties to Nigeria without the full knowledge or approval of the travelers,” the statement read.
According to the Commission, this practice frequently leaves applicants unable to defend the information submitted on their behalf during immigration checks, which can lead to denial of entry.
Providing further insight into the case, NIDCOM revealed that one of the affected individuals had previously made controversial remarks online about the South African government.
“In this particular case, one of the individuals had previously posted insulting remarks about the South African government online. This had already placed him on their watchlist,” it said.
The Commission added that the situation worsened when the individual could not adequately explain the comments when questioned by immigration officials.
“When confronted at the port of entry, he was unable to defend or substantiate those statements, which further aggravated the situation,” the statement noted.
NIDCOM advised Nigerians planning to travel abroad to take full responsibility for their visa applications and ensure accuracy in all submitted information.
It urged travellers to either apply directly or work only with verified agents, stressing the importance of reviewing every detail before submission.
The Commission also warned about the impact of online activities on international travel.
“Immigration authorities routinely conduct social media checks. Derogatory or inflammatory posts can lead to secondary screening or visa denial,” it cautioned.
Travellers were further advised to ensure they can clearly explain the purpose of their trips and carry all necessary documentation to support their claims.
NIDCOM reiterated its commitment to engaging with relevant authorities to avoid similar occurrences in the future.
“We strongly urge all Nigerians planning international travel to exercise due diligence. Responsible preparation protects not only the individual but also Nigeria’s reputation,” the statement added.
