Visa restrictions unrelated to Nigeria’s rejection of asylum deal — Says U.S. Embassy

The United States has dismissed suggestions that its recent decision to reduce visa validity for Nigerians is connected to Nigeria’s refusal to accept deported Venezuelans or its growing ties with BRICS nations.

In a statement issued by the U.S. Mission in Nigeria on Friday, the U.S. government clarified that the reduction in validity for most nonimmigrant visas is part of a global review of visa policies, not a response to any country’s diplomatic positions or affiliations.

This clarification comes after Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, said the U.S. was mounting pressure on African nations, including Nigeria, to accept Venezuelan deportees, some of whom, he noted, were ex-convicts.

Tuggar also questioned whether Nigeria’s involvement with BRICS could have influenced recent U.S. policy shifts, including the new visa regime and fresh tariffs on Nigerian goods.

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However, the U.S. Mission made clear that these assumptions are misplaced.

“The recent reduction in visa validity is not the result of any nation’s stance on third-country deportees, introduction of e-visa policies, or affiliations with groups like BRICS,” the statement said.

According to the U.S. Department of State, the new visa measure, announced July 8, limits most Nigerian nonimmigrant permits to single-entry with a three-month validity. Travel documents issued prior to that date remain unaffected.

The U.S. emphasized that the review is part of a routine, global process to ensure all countries meet technical and security benchmarks required to safeguard its immigration systems.

Standard criteria cited include the use of secure travel documents, visa overstay management, and security information sharing. The U.S. said it is working closely with Nigerian immigration and security officials to meet those standards.

“We value our longstanding partnership with Nigeria and remain committed to working closely with the Nigerian public and government officials to help them meet those criteria and benchmarks,” the Mission noted.

The U.S. further acknowledged Nigeria’s efforts to upgrade its systems, including the introduction of electronic visas, and encouraged Nigerian travelers to ensure their documents are accurate and up to date.

While Tuggar had earlier disputed the U.S. claim that the new visa policy was based on reciprocity, arguing that Nigeria still offers five-year multiple-entry permits to American citizens, the U.S. reiterated that its policies remain subject to regular global evaluations and are not politically driven.

“We continue to engage with Nigerian government officials to address the remaining challenges and strengthen safe, lawful, and mutually beneficial travel between our nations,” the statement concluded.