The U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has addressed misconceptions about the recent reduction in visa validity for most nonimmigrant U.S. visas in Nigeria and other countries.

This was after Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, stated on national television that the U.S. is trying to pressure Nigeria and other African countries to accept deported Venezuelan prisoners.

Reports also alleged that the U.S. came up with the policy to pressure African countries for having a relationship with BRICS.

However, in a statement on Friday, the embassy said the 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 embassy said, "The reduction in validity is part of an ongoing global review of the use of U.S. visas by other countries using technical and security benchmarks to safeguard U.S. immigration systems. 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, thereby ensuring safe, lawful, and mutually beneficial travel between our nations."


ASA