Tech entrepreneur Eric Gugua has spoken about the challenges he says he has faced because of holding a Nigerian passport, particularly when it comes to travelling for international opportunities.
Gugua expressed frustration over being unable to attend a blockchain conference scheduled to take place in London next week.
According to him, the lengthy visa application process and the number of documents required often make international travel difficult, causing him to miss opportunities that could have been beneficial to his career.
He shared his concerns, saying:
“I’ve missed life-changing opportunities because I have a Nigerian passport. There’s a blockchain conference in London next week, but I know I can’t attend. I’d need to apply for a visa months in advance and submit countless documents.”He said
His comment has sparked conversations about the difficulties Nigerians can face when seeking to attend international conferences, business events and other global opportunities due to visa restrictions and travel requirements.
See post below:
Read some comments below:
@Tajudeen Suleiman:”Exaggerated point! For UK, you can easily get you Visa within a week from application, he shld say the country that will need him to submit his passport months ahead.”
@Izu:”Nigerian passport is not the issue, if you are visiting home office will like to confirm you have ties with your home country that will make you go back and if you can sustain while in the country. People with American passport goes through same process.”
@Big Somto:”For Nigerian submitting their passport for UK visa you can actually submit your passport at any vfs global office in the world as far as you are in that country with a valid visa”
@Kelvin Tran:”Hearing it is heartbreaking; I wish visas were no longer a barrier for you to pursue opportunities like that conference in London 🌱”
@KD Consults:”Privelege is lost on those who enjoy it.. from pretty privilege to where them born u privilege.. its those outside it who feel that pain”