By Busola Bamidele
In a sweeping policy shift, government officials today announced the end of the visa on arrival system, replacing it with a new landing and exit card procedure designed to streamline border management and drive economic growth.
During a press briefing, the Immigration Minister outlined that the reform aims to enhance national security, improve data collection on international arrivals and departures, and ultimately attract higher tourism revenue.
"By requiring travelers to fill out landing and exit cards, we can better track visitor flows, tailor our services, and stimulate a more robust digital visa application system," the minister explained.
Economic analysts have welcomed the change, noting that the new process encourages travelers to plan ahead and engage with the country's online systems.
This, they argue, will not only reduce on-the-spot processing delays at airports but also boost ancillary revenue through increased digital transactions and service fees.
Critics, however, caution that the added administrative steps might deter spontaneous tourism.
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In response, government representatives assured that the new system would be user-friendly, with comprehensive support provided at all entry and exit points.
They emphasized that the long-term benefits—improved security, better data analytics, and enhanced revenue opportunities—far outweigh the transitional challenges.
With implementation scheduled to begin next month, travel industry stakeholders are watching closely, hopeful that the streamlined process will set a new standard for efficient immigration management and serve as a model for other nations.
As the nation embarks on this transformative journey, the balance between rigorous border control and economic stimulation remains the key focus of this ambitious policy overhaul.
