Ibadan: The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has condemned visa scams by unregistered travel agents, highlighting red flags and solutions to curb the incidents.
The association’s Vice President, Western Zone, Mr Olaleye Ajibade, speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan on Saturday, said the association would not look the other way.
He, however, said those indulged in the act couldn’t have been genuine travel agents or members of NANTA.
“Why I said this is because if you’re a member of our association, you will be aware of the terms and conditions required of you as a qualified travel expert.
“You can’t be a member of the association and indulge in visa fraud; people indulging in visa fraud are not our members.
“We all know that there is no profession that doesn’t have quacks; those doing visa fraud are the quacks in the association.
“These quacks do not have an office; you won’t see them in any registered association.
“They meet people at eateries or inside cars; places they can’t be traced to and found after perpetrating their evil acts,” he said.
According to him, the association is working to eliminate all quacks in the field and to sensitise Nigerians to engage registered members for visa or ticket services.
“NANTA members know the right things to do and won’t scam anyone because they know the consequences of such action.
“In the association, we have a task force which we partnered with the state government and some security agencies.
“They move around to pick up such impersonators.
“NANTA also has a disciplinary committee to address scams.
“However, we need the general public to help us in removing the impersonators spoiling the association’s integrity,” he said.
The association’s zonal vice president said the association has stringent requirements that must be met before a company can be registered as a member.
“The person or company must have registered their company with the Corporate Affairs Commission in addition to attending NANTA meetings consecutively for a year.
“You must have been issued a certificate that you’re a member and registered with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
“These certificates are to be displayed in their offices for everyone to see.
“If they are not displayed, ask for them, checking to see that the dates are recent because we issue our certificates yearly,” he said.
He added that a genuine travel agent will never promise anyone a visa.
“It is only consular offices that issue visas.
“Visas are no rights; they are privileges.
“Travel experts only give all the necessary information to guide people on how to prepare travel documents.
“With their experiences over time, they know what to put together to give positive results,” he said.
According to him, visa fraud involves deceiving or misleading authorities with fake documents, false information, or exploiting loopholes.
He said unscrupulous agents engage in visa fraud due to selfish financial gain, lack of awareness about visa rules, and pressure to migrate or travel.
He added that red flags from dubious agents include unrealistic promises or guarantees.
“Others are requests for upfront payment, poor communication or unprofessionalism, and lack of transparency about the process,” he said.
As a way out, he advised intending travellers to verify information from official government websites.
“Ensure that your documents are genuine and accurate, and be cautious of unsolicited offers or agents promising guaranteed visas.
“Don’t pay for visa services through unofficial channels.
“Research the country’s visa requirements and processes,” he said
