Nigeria issues travel advisory on Australia amid rise in discrimination reports
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Passengers are pictured arriving at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, Nigeria, on Friday, April 1, 2022.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel advisory for citizens planning to visit Australia, urging them to exercise heightened caution due to an increase in reports of harassment and discrimination against foreigners. The advisory, issued on Tuesday, was a response to rising safety concerns for Nigerians in Australia, particularly amid recent incidents of hate crimes, including antisemitic and Islamophobic attacks.
In the statement, ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa highlighted specific incidents that have raised alarm, including violent events that appear to be fueled by global tensions. These incidents have led to an uptick in hate crimes in parts of Australia, which has traditionally been seen as a country promoting multiculturalism and tolerance. However, the rise in such acts of discrimination against foreigners has prompted the Nigerian Ministry to issue the warning.
The advisory is based on troubling reports of harassment targeting various minority groups in Australia, and it comes on the back of a similar warning issued by the Australian government regarding travel to Nigeria. The Australian government advised its citizens to reconsider traveling to Nigeria due to ongoing security threats, including terrorism, kidnapping, and violent crime. States such as Adamawa, Borno, Bayelsa, and Delta were specifically highlighted as high-risk areas.
One of the incidents mentioned by the Nigerian Ministry occurred in December 2024 in the Sydney suburb of Woollahra, where anti-Israel graffiti and the burning of a vehicle sparked outrage. The incident contributed to growing fears that Nigerians, along with other foreign nationals, could be at greater risk while in Australia.
Despite acknowledging Australia’s long-standing reputation for being a diverse and welcoming nation, the Ministry emphasized the importance of Nigerians remaining vigilant while in the country. It advised travelers to respect local customs and take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety. The statement urged Nigerians who may experience or witness acts of discrimination, harassment, or violence to report the incidents to the Nigerian High Commission in Canberra. The High Commission is ready to offer assistance to any Nigerian who faces such challenges.
The Ministry’s statement underlined the seriousness of the situation, noting that there had been a disturbing rise in hate crimes and other forms of abuse targeting foreigners, particularly those from minority backgrounds. With this in mind, the Ministry has advised Nigerians planning to visit Australia to carefully consider the current security situation, particularly in cities where the risks appear to be more prevalent.
As part of the advisory, the Ministry recommended that Nigerians stay informed about the local conditions in Australia by keeping track of official news and security updates. Travelers should take steps to minimize their risk by staying alert to their surroundings and avoiding areas where there have been recent reports of discrimination or violence.
The Nigerian government’s travel advisory comes at a time of heightened global tensions, which have contributed to the worsening climate of discrimination in some countries. As conflicts in the Middle East and other regions have intensified, they have led to an increase in hate crimes against various foreign nationals, including those of African descent. This has made it even more important for the Nigerian government to ensure its citizens are well-prepared and aware of the risks when traveling abroad.
For Nigerians planning travel to Australia, the Ministry has recommended that they ensure they are fully prepared and aware of how to navigate any challenging or unsafe situations. This includes familiarizing themselves with local emergency numbers, knowing the locations of the Nigerian High Commission, and understanding the procedures for reporting hate crimes or incidents of discrimination.
In conclusion, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for increased vigilance from its citizens traveling to Australia, highlighting the rise in hate crimes and discrimination. While the advisory acknowledges Australia’s positive reputation for multiculturalism, it urges Nigerians to stay cautious and informed, ensuring their safety and well-being during their visit.
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