The British High Commission in Nigeria has announced the opening of a new temporary centre for United Kingdom visa application in Enugu State.
The commission announced the partnership in a statement on Monday.
The Commission noted that the centre would be operational from September 13, 2023 and will shortly offer services twice a week. The Enugu centre will be added to existing locations in Abuja, Lagos and Port Harcourt.
The appointment system now allows an applicant to select Enugu as their application location when applying for a UK Visa.
The centre will begin operations at the Omedel Luxury Hotel, 4/6 Link Road off Pascal and Jerk Bus Stop, Independence Layout, Enugu.
“The appointment system allows an applicant to select Enugu as their application location when applying for a UK Visa,” the statement read.
The Commission also noted that the centre will operate a premium customer service and charge accordingly. Service offered include a Premium Lounge appointment, courier return, SMS notifications, general customer support and guidance.
“The temporary submission centre in Enugu opens as a Premium Location, meaning it will cost NGN246,250.00, which includes a Premium Lounge appointment, courier return, SMS notifications, general customer support and guidance.
“Demand for visa services will be carefully monitored and service reviewed/expanded should there be sufficient volumes. TLS will trial this location for at least 3 months to assess uptake of the service and enable decisions on continuation.”
Visa application and issuing will be carefully monitored and the service will be reviewed or expanded if there are adequate provision. The location will be tested for at least three months to assess the uptake of the service and make room for decisions on continuity.
Reacting to the development, the Enugu State Government expressed joy at the partnership. In a statement, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Chidiebere Onyia, announced the development on Monday, September 11.
Onyia stated that the centre would strengthen the relationship between Enugu State, Nigeria and the UK.
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The visa centre was part of Governor Peter Mbah’s requests when the UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, visited the Enugu State government house, earlier in June.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo had also made similar requests when the High Commissioner visited its national secretariat in Enugu last June.
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According to the statement, the Enugu State government received the news of the visa centre with joy and satisfaction. Onyia stressed that the centre would also enhance economic partnership and cultural exchanges between Enugu State and the UK.
“The Enugu State Government looks forward to a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with the UK, as the visa centre would help cement the relationship. The government calls on the people, especially those residing in the South-east, to avail themselves of the opportunity provided to file their visa applications in the state,” the statement said.
The statement further stressed that the government of the state would ensure the improvement of security for both residents and visitors in the state.
The State Government called on Nigerians, especially those residing in the South-East to use the opportunity to the fullest. He urged them to file their visa applications in the state.