It was UK visa policy, not funds, that forced ex-militants to return home, says Amnesty Office
The visa policy of the United Kingdom and not funding has forced the foundation students sent to the United Kingdom in 2014 under the Presidential Amnesty Programme to return to the country.

A statement signed by the Media and Communication Consultant, Presidential Amnesty Programme, Mr. Owei Lakemfa, said the students were not affected by fund, but were returning home to renew their visa in agreement with the visa policy which has made it mandatory for them to return home.

Entitled: “Students returning from UK due to British Visa Policy,” the statement said the foundation students were returning to the country following the expiration of their one year visa and not due to funding of their programme.
The statement read: “Apart from the completion of their one year foundation course, they are required to return to the country to renew their visa where necessary. This has nothing to do with funding their programmes as is being insinuated.

“Also, the Presidential Amnesty Office reiterates that there is no policy or plans under the programme to pay housing or accommodation allowances. It is therefore not correct for any beneficiary under the programme to claim he is being owed, or is expecting such an allowance.

“Furthermore, the Amnesty Office reiterates that all allowances and payments under the programme have been effected. However, some beneficiaries, especially in South Africa and United States, experienced some delays perhaps due to the Central Bank’s implementation of the TSA policy. Happily, the affected beneficiaries have started getting alerts confirming their banks receipt of the funds.”