From Leadership (Nigerian newspaper)

Mr Lou Jun, Deputy Director General of Guangdong in China’s Foreign Affairs Office, on Friday said that his government would continue to protect the rights of Nigerians.

Lou disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Guangzhou, China, while reacting to recent reports of harassment of some Nigerians and other Africans in foreign countries.

The deputy director general said that it was imperative for the province to safeguard the rights of Nigerians because of the long existing relationship between China and Nigeria.

“There are presently many Nigerians living in and visiting Guangdong Province of China, for different purposes. This is good for the relations of China and Nigeria.

“Presently, there are about 2000 Nigerians with official stay permit of six months in Guangdong Province.

“Let me assure Nigerians and the Nigerian Government that our government will continue to open its doors to more Nigerians, as well as ensure their protection in Guangdong Province.

“We have adequate police force that has continued to offer protection to Nigerians and other foreigners in Guangdong,’’ he said.

Luo said that the government had always encouraged Nigerians to go about with their identity cards, and to also register their hotels and residence with the police to ensure their safety.

He said that investigations had revealed that some Nigerians were in the habit of overstaying their visa duration periods, to be working or “doing deals illegally” in the province.

The Guangdong government’s official, however, urged Nigerians to always identify their reason for visiting China and know whether to have a short or long stay visa.

“What we have discovered is that some Nigerians and other Africans are more interested in just coming to buy our products.

“This has continued to make it difficult for us to grant them visa extensions.

“It would, therefore, be right for Nigerians coming to our province and other parts of China, to always first do their homework, before coming,’’ he advised. (NAN)