Nigeria Immigration Service deports Zimbabwean Bishop over visa violation
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has deported Zimbabwean Bishop Eben K. Nhiwatawi for engaging in the Methodist Church leadership election process while on a tourist visa.
The NIS Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Udo, issued a statement on Wednesday, August 28, detailing that Nhiwatawi’s actions breached the conditions of his tourist visa, as stipulated in the Nigeria Visa Policy 2024.
According to the statement: “On August 24, 2024, Mr. Eben K. Nhiwatawi, a Zimbabwean Bishop, was detained in Yola, Adamawa State, for violating immigration regulations. Nhiwatawi had arrived in Nigeria on August 21, 2024, on a Tourist Visa (F5A), which is strictly for tourism purposes.
“However, it was discovered that he participated in the Methodist Church leadership election process, a clear violation of the visa terms as outlined in the Nigeria Visa Policy 2024.
“As a result, the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, with approval from the Minister, has mandated Nhiwatawi’s immediate deportation from the country.
“While the NIS supports lawful foreign investment and encourages individuals engaging in business and social activities that contribute to economic growth, it will not condone any breach of the country’s immigration laws.
“The Service remains committed to upholding national security and will continue to monitor the activities of foreigners to ensure compliance with immigration regulations,” the statement read.
