Nigerian seafarers have asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intervene in the new visa restrictions imposed by the United States.
They stated that the restrictions threatened their jobs and livelihoods.
In a petition signed by their lawyers, P.O. Onucheyo, D.K. Ikoro and S.D. Omede, the seafarers warned that the recent reduction of the C1D visa to a three-month single entry would result in massive job losses, and diminished career prospects.
According to them, the restriction may also result in the loss of about $2m foreign exchange earnings for Nigeria every month.
The Seafarers added that the restriction would also have far-reaching economic consequences for the country.
“The inability to join ships in the US will lead to job loss for many of our clients who require the C1D visa, disrupting their careers and livelihoods, and leaving countless dependents without hope and a means of survival.
“If these seafarers lose their jobs, the Nigerian government stands to lose approximately $2 million monthly in foreign exchange earnings. With reduced opportunities for employment, this vital source of foreign exchange will be compromised,” they stated.
The C1D visa, introduced after the September 11 attacks, is a non-immigrant visa that allows seafarers and airline crew to enter the United States to join their ships or flights.
Until recently, Nigerian seafarers were granted longer validity, which enabled them to meet international employment requirements.
The petitioners cited the case of Zimbabwe, where diplomatic intervention led to the reinstatement of a two-year multiple-entry visa for its seafarers and airline crew.
“Nigerian seafarers working on cruise ships with C1D visas have a track record of compliance, returning home after completing their contracts. They do not pose a risk of overstaying their visas.
“We respectfully request that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs engage with the US government, initiate diplomatic discussions to review and revise the new visa policy, and ensure that it accommodates the needs of Nigerian seafarers just as it was done for the Zimbabweans,” they added.
A seafarer and electrical engineer with Royal Caribbean, Jeremiah Emmanuel, told Saturday PUNCH that the restriction was already placing Nigerian workers at a disadvantage.
Emmanuel explained that seafarers underwent extensive checks before being hired.
He said, “Recently, there has been an update regarding the US visa policy for non-immigrants.
 The single-entry visa has now been reduced to three months. This policy directly affects airline crew and seafarers, as they require special visas to perform their duties.
“Employers already conduct thorough background checks and require police clearance from us before employment. Personally, I have been travelling to the U.S. for more than three years without ever overstaying. Many others have been doing so for over five years, always returning promptly after completing their duties.”
Emmanuel stressed that the concern of overstaying didn’t apply to seafarers.
“We only travel to join our ships or flights, complete our assignments, and return. We have built trust over time, showing that we respect the visa rules,” he said.
Emmanuel appealed to the authorities to intervene before the situation worsens.
“Therefore, we are pleading with the US Embassy, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other relevant authorities to restore the C1D visa validity to at least two years. This will enable us to continue working without interruption. If not, we risk losing our jobs, and the federal government will also lose revenue from the seafaring industry,” he added.
