U.S. Embassy Quietly Revokes Nigerian Visas, Leaving Families Stranded
- Hundreds of Nigerians have been blindsided by sudden U.S. visa cancellations, with no warning, explanation, or right to appeal
- The revocations, quietly executed by the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, have disrupted travel plans for professionals, families, and government officials alike
- As confusion mounts, experts warn the move may signal a targeted shift in American visa policy towards Nigerian nationals
The United States Embassy in Nigeria has quietly begun revoking valid visas previously issued to Nigerian citizens, triggering widespread disruption for professionals, entrepreneurs, and families who rely on international travel for work, education, and personal commitments.
In a recent article titled ‘The quiet revocation: Why is the U.S. silently cancelling Nigerians’ visas?’, former Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Olufemi Soneye, revealed that numerous Nigerian citizens had received official letters from the U.S. Embassy in recent weeks.
Source: UGC
These letters instructed recipients to submit their passports to consulates in Lagos or Abuja, where their visas were subsequently cancelled without explanation.
The notices cited Title 22, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 41.122, vaguely referencing “new information” that had emerged post-issuance. However, no specific details, evidence, or avenues for appeal were provided, leaving recipients in a state of uncertainty.
Frequent travellers and professionals affected by visa revocations
Among those affected are a prominent journalist, the head of a federal government agency scheduled to speak at an international forum, and an Abuja-based entrepreneur with an impeccable travel history. Others include frequent travellers who depend on U.S. visas for academic pursuits, medical treatment, business engagements, and family reunions.
Many were forced to cancel overseas trips at short notice, refund airline tickets, and explain their sudden absence to international partners. In some cases, travellers only discovered the cancellations at airports and boarding gates, with a few reportedly detained briefly by immigration officials before being turned back.
No official statement from U.S. or Nigerian authorities
Despite the growing number of cancellations, neither the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria nor Nigerian authorities have issued a public statement addressing the situation. The silence has left affected citizens in limbo, with no clear guidance or recourse.
Those impacted have insisted they have never overstayed their visas, violated immigration laws, or posed any security risks. The abrupt revocations have therefore raised fears of a quiet but targeted tightening of U.S. visa policy against Nigerians.
Analysts link visa cancellations to broader scrutiny
Policy analysts have pointed to longstanding scrutiny of visa applicants from high-migration countries, with Nigeria frequently singled out. Documents from previous U.S. administrations reportedly encouraged consular officers to apply heightened review standards to certain nationalities, fuelling speculation that the current wave of cancellations may be a continuation of that approach.
Source: Getty Images
US govt announces new visa fees for students
Legit.ng earlier reported that he US Department of State has kicked off its visa application fees for individuals seeking entry into the United States.
Nigerians applying for non-immigrant visa categories will pay an average of $185 from $160. The revised fee structure applies to a wide range of visa categories essential for travel, education, work, and cultural exchange purposes.
Source: Legit.ng
