UPDATE: U.S FINALIZES $20,000 VISA BOND POLICY AFFECTING NIGERIA AND 49 OTHER NATIONS. (PHOTO).

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 U.S Finalizes $20,000 Visa Bond Policy Affecting Nigeria and 49 Other Nations The United States government has officially formalized its visa bond policy, making it a permanent measure that could require travelers from 50 designated countries, including Nigeria, to pay a refundable bond of up to $20,000 before receiving certain visas. First introduced as a pilot scheme in 2025, the policy targets applicants seeking B1 and B2 visas, which are designated for business and tourism. According to the U.S. Department of State, the initiative is designed to bolster compliance with local immigration laws and drastically reduce visa overstay rates. How the Visa Bond Policy Works Under the permanent guidelines, U.S. consular officers have the discretion to instruct eligible applicants to post a bond as a prerequisite for visa issuance. However, U.S. authorities have clarified that the financial requirement will not be applied automatically to every traveler from the listed nations. Data anal...

BANKS LOAD ATMs AS NEW N100 WITHDRAWAL FEE TAKES EFFECT. (PHOTO).


 Banks Load ATMs as New N100 Withdrawal Fee Takes Effect


Nigerian banks have stocked their ATMs with cash following the implementation of a N100 withdrawal fee on March 1, 2025, in line with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)’s revised policy.


Under the new structure, withdrawals from an individual's bank’s ATMs remain free, but customers using other banks' ATMs will be charged N100 for withdrawals of N20,000 or less at on-site ATMs (located within bank premises). Off-site ATMs, such as those in malls or fuel stations, will incur an additional surcharge of up to N500 per transaction. International withdrawals will attract cost-recovery-based charges.


A survey of ATMs across Lagos showed that most banks had updated their machines to notify users of the new charges before processing withdrawals.


Meanwhile, customers have expressed frustration over the additional cost, citing economic hardship. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) have condemned the policy, urging the CBN and the government to suspend the charges. They argue that the new fees further burden already struggling Nigerians.


The CBN has advised customers to use their bank’s ATMs or alternative payment channels, such as mobile apps and POS devices, to avoid the charges.

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