Being able to get a visa especially Chinese visa is usually very demanding and stressful. It could take months or even years, with long queues, trying to obtain one. It seems like all that inconvenience is about to change.
To facilitate procurement of Chinese visas for Nigerians, China opened a new visa application centre in Victoria Island Lagos. The centre located at Church gate building will commence operations from September 21, 2017, according to the Console General of the People’s Republic of China, Chao Xiaoliang.
Speaking to newsmen at a media briefing, Xiaoliang said the visa application centre was opened to improve the service standard for applicants.
“Henceforth, all ordinary passport holders wishing to visit the People’s Republic of China are requested to apply for visas at Lagos, China Visa Application Centre. “I completely believe that the center, in cooperation with VFS will surely increase the efficiency and quality of Chinese Visa processing and provide better service to applicants.”
He, however, said diplomats and official passport holders or applicants applying for Hong Kong/Macao Special Administrative Region visa/entry permits are to submit their applications directly to the Chinese embassy.
By taking this remarkable step, Xiaoliang hopes that it would strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
”The ties between China and Nigeria have been strengthened in trade, investments, Infrastructure, culture, science, technology, and others.
“I have been working in Nigeria for more than one year and I have always felt at home. This is mostly because of the hospitality of Nigerians.
“The yearly number of Chinese visa issued to Nigeria citizens has grown very rapidly in the past as a result of the increased personal exchange. It is indeed a welcomed development.”
He added that over the years they’ve seen visa applicants sweating under the sun to obtain a visa, nevertheless, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China is working hard to improve their services in making it more comfortable for visa applicants while waiting for their interviews or to submit applications.
