[imagesource:wikimediacommons]

The negative stereotypes against Nigerians are widespread, even playing out in various African nations, including South Africa.

So when a Nigerian passport holder shared on Twitter recently that they had purportedly been denied entry to Seychelles, a discussion began about why travellers from the African country are banned from visiting the paradise islands.

Seychelles Vice President Ahmed Afif was prompted to give the reason for banning Nigerians. When he addressed the press about the issue, he stated that the surge in drug trafficking and fraudulent behaviour was the main concern.

He referenced multiple instances where a host of Nigerians claimed to be on vacation, but their stays were extremely short and odd, noted IOL. Afif said that when they examined the payments made for these individuals’ trips to Seychelles, they noticed that all the payments came from one account:

“When we checked the payments made for them to come to Seychelles, it is from only one source. This is for different people coming on different days which shows an organised syndicate,” said Afif.

The VP emphasised that over the past year, especially in recent months, the government had noticed a troubling trend that posed a threat to border control and the economy due to criminal activities.

“We have seen a clear link between this with certain people from Nigeria. In the past two weeks, for example, 13 people coming from Nigeria have been arrested when entering Seychelles because they were carrying drugs into the country,” said the vice president.

It is also alleged that Nigerians have been caught using counterfeit credit cards at tourist establishments:

“In one case, 62 Nigerians who said they were on holiday used false credit cards, and the money was never credited to the accounts of these establishments.

“These establishments have lost money. These people spent free holidays in the country at the expense of the establishment owners and there is nothing that can be done for them,” Afif said.

There was once even a fraud case involving Nigerians where a financial institution lost £1 million – R23 million.

Afif clarified that Nigerians with diplomatic passports or valid work/resident permits issued by Seychelles would still be allowed entry, however.

“For the others, the government will keep its eyes open and SEBS (Seychelles Electronic Border System) will analyse much more to find out what reasons they are coming, [sic] for example, someone who is coming for a holiday for only one day”, explained Afif.

“We have to ask questions because it is strange and we have seen that happening”.

It is a pity that the wrongs of a few result in punishment for all.

[source:iol]