The U.S. government has announced that most Nigerians applying for nonimmigrant visas will now only receive a three-month, single-entry visa.
The US Mission to Nigeria said this was to reward Nigeria’s visa policy towards Americans.
“Starting today, most non-immigrant and unofficial visas for Nigerian citizens will be one-time entry valid for three months,” the embassy said.
Prior to this new policy, the United States issued multiple-entry two-year visas to many Nigerians. Many others obtained five-year visas that allow multiple entry.
But in a statement released Tuesday, the embassy said the new policy is part of the global visa reciprocity process and addresses the treatment American citizens receive in other countries.
“Visa reciprocity is an ongoing process and is subject to review and change at any time, including increasing or decreasing permitted travel entries and validity periods.
“U.S. visa standards and standards are designed to protect the integrity of the U.S. immigration system. These standards are based on global technical and security benchmarks,” the embassy said.
The new policy comes as the United States considers visa bans and other travel restrictions on Nigeria.
In mid-June, Premium Times reported that the Trump administration was considering imposing visa bans and other travel restrictions on citizens of Nigeria and about 35 other countries.
The policy is seen as part of the government’s efforts to crack down on immigration.
The United States recently launched a policy requiring screening of the social media accounts of international students from Nigeria and other countries applying for student visas.
As a result, consular officials are now on the lookout for posts and messages that could be deemed hostile to the United States or its “government, culture, institutions, and founding principles.”
“The American people expect our government to do everything possible to make our country safer, and that is exactly what the Trump administration is doing every day,” the State Department said.
Also Read: Exclusive: Nigerian Politicians Who Want to ‘Japa’ Sue US Government Over Visa Denial
No new policies from Nigeria
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said no new policies have been activated that would provoke a mutual reaction from the United States.
Kimyebi Ebienfa, acting spokesperson for the ministry, told Premium Times that the new US policy is likely to be a response to an old policy that has not yet been identified.
“It’s not like we’re starting or implementing a new policy and they’re responding to it. It’s likely to be a long-term policy,” he said.
Ebienfa also said, “It is important to understand that more Nigerians apply for visas to go to the United States than Americans apply to enter the country.”
To Nigeria. Therefore, outflow amounts are not comparable.
He also said countries have the right to implement policies to control the influx of people.
This could be national policy or based on “the idiosyncrasies of the commander-in-chief,” he said.
“You also know that President Trump has had issues with countries because he’s trying to protect Americans by reducing immigration,” he said.
Regarding Nigeria’s response, he said that relevant authorities will consider policies and begin appropriate responses.
“We are in the process of assessing the new policy and its necessary impact. The government will take immediate action after full consultation with relevant stakeholders,” he told PREMIUM TIMES.
