An Open Letter By A Marine Student In Georgia To The FG For Assistance

Good day,

We, Nigerian maritime student's in "BATUMI STATE MARITIME ACADEMY", Republic of Georgia, are writing to express our bitterness concerning the present situation befalling us and other Nigerian Students in the Republic of Georgia.

Firstly, most of the students who came into the country in 2011/2012 are in their third year second semester and are supposed to graduate by next year June,

We have been facing denials of Visa all through our study years in the country. After the first visa which brought us into the country of study, it has being almost impossible for us to extend our study visa which makes us illegal in the country.

Each time we apply for visa, a penalty will be charged in line with the Visa application fee and we would still be denied, when questions are asked as to the reason for the denial, the Ministry in charge would give us the following reasons;

1) YOUR FATHER IS A TERRORIST.

2) YOU ARE A THREAT TO GEORGIA.

3) FORGED DOCUMENTS (WHILE ITS ORIGINALLY FROM THE SCHOOL)

and ask us to charge the case to court if not satisfied.


Secondly, early last year 2014, the Government asked us to apply for RESIDENT CARD which we adhered to. After paying application and penalty fee, we were still denied, giving us the same reason for the denial.

The law was amended and opportunity for new Visa application started on the First (1st) of September 2014  which we applied, some were denied and some got their visa.

Now the reason for the denial of this new visa is based on our previous application for resident permit which makes no sense. This same Government that gave us the go ahead to apply for a resident permit are now using that as a bench mark for denying us our visas.


They have giving an ultimatum of "July 1st 2015", that all student and foreigners in the country without a visa would face withdrawal from school and deportation. we have invested a lot for three years to secure a better future for ourselves and this Government, because of their selfishness, cruelty and no regard for humanity wants to ruin our future just like that, not considering all we have invested.


 Last year summer, two of our Maritime colleagues who had valid visas on their passport were deported for no reason while returning back to school after the summer break.


The Government of other nationalities affected have interfered in the situation to protect the interest of their nationals by opposing this cruel act. We urge the Nigerian government and other relevant stakeholders to stand up and fight for Nigerian nationals before it would be too late. We want to bring to notice that there are a lot of Georgian Seafarers sailing on Nigerian waters and they are not being treated with this level of injustice and cruelty their Government is showing to Nigerian nationals.

We need our Government now, more than ever, to come to our aid.

THIS EVIL ACT MUST STOP

For more details and evidence presentation. Contact me via email and phone number below:

victormichael2010@li­ve.com

+995 568864459

Thanks in anticipation of a prompt response.