THE Nigerian Association in Guyana member Onoja Atta Onoja Saturday said the backlog of immigration extensions for students of that country here, have been cleared.And the association, via a letter in the name of Onoja, has commended Minister within the Ministry of the Presidency with responsibility for Citizenship, Winston Felix, for reverting to the three-week deadline as stipulated in the Immigration Act, regarding extensions.
Onoja was at the time responding to a statement made by People’s Progressive Party (PPP) Chief Whip , Gail Teixeira, who told a parliamentary sub-committee meeting Wednesday that a number of foreign students in Guyana have been complaining about the length of time it takes to process their extensions. According to her, this has been a concern particularly for the large batch of Nigerian students studying at the Texila American University.
According to Onoja, several applications for visas and extensions of stay had been pending for up to nine years in some instances, but these have been dealt with.
She called on Texila American University to desist from misleading Members of Parliament by using Nigeria’s name in such scenarios, for political and economic gains. “I would equally like to remind the good people of Guyana that Nigeria as a matter of international policy does not meddle in the internal politics of any country, but rather opts to cooperate and work with every country for the good of all”, Onoja said.
This publication had reported that Minister Felix noted that he is willing to consider the possibility of having international students granted work permits.
Teixeira, who chaired the meeting which brought into focus the roles and responsibilities of the Department of Citizenship, asked the subject minister whether the administration would consider the possibility of granting international students work permits.
She said a number of foreign students here have been complaining about the length of time it takes to process their extensions. According to her, this has been a concern particularly for the large batch of Nigerian students studying at the Texila American University.
In response, Minister Felix said he is willing to consider the proposal put by the students, however, he refuted the claims made that the process of accessing an extension is usually a lengthy one.
“I do not have any application for student visa…or extension on my desk for any prolonged period, any delay,” Minister Felix said.
It was explained that international students from Texila American University do not apply for their extensions individually, but through the school’s administration.