Amid new visa restrictions slammed on Nigeria by the United States (U.S.) recently, controversial Nigerian musician, Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley has secured P2 visa to enter the U.S. for a music tour.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the P2 visa issued Naira Marley by the U.S. is for artists and entertainers who wish to participate in government permitted programs in the country.
It is a temporary work visa for non immigrants to perform in the U.S. through the government reciprocal program between an organization in their own country and the U.S.
Recall U.S. President Donald Trump recently signed a presidential proclamation that imposed an immigrant visa ban on Nigeria and five other countries in an expanded version of his travel ban list, sparking outrage from many of the countries, including Nigeria.
The development meant that citizens from Nigeria, Eritrea, Sudan, Tanzania, Kyrgyzstan and Myanmar are now blocked from obtaining an immigrant visa.
U.S. officials have said the six countries failed to meet U.S. security and information-sharing standards, necessitating the new restrictions.
However, the option of P2 visa is available for artists and entertainers to exploit.
The artist or entertainer, who must possess skills that are equal to those of artists of U.S. performing outside the U.S., must enter U.S. through the government recognized reciprocal exchange program.
A US organization or employer must file Form I-129, Petition for a Non-Immigrant Worker, and the individual artist, entertainer or group should be invited through reciprocal program. The applicants must meet the health and character requirements as well.
Also, a P2 visa holder can participate in any exchange program in the U.S. The visa is granted for the duration of the program but can also be extended. A P2 visa holder can apply for green card and remain in the U.S. permanently. The spouse and dependent children can apply for P4 visa and stay in U.S. with the P1 visa holder. The spouse and children are entitled to study in the U.S. but not employment.
Naira Marley, who at various times has been arrested by Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for sundry financial related crimes, has secured this visa option as he is billed for a performance tour in the U.S. in March. All the crisis seems to be far behind him now.
The controversial musician, who his American fans refer to as ‘Africa’s snoop Dogg’, will perform in Dallas and other cities, with his show titled ‘Marlays Yankee’.
TNG learnt Naira Marley is scheduled to arrive in the U.S. on or before March 4. He will be performing to a crowded fan base in Swayz Ballroom in Dallas on March 6.
After a successful performance in Dallas, Naira Marley will proceed to Chicago, Maryland, Washington DC and North Carolina.