The United States has released an updated deportation list featuring 124 Nigerians amid ongoing immigration reforms, while the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced a major change in visa application procedures for Nigerians in the US.
NIS Ends Third-Party Visa Application Services
The Nigeria Immigration Service has officially terminated the engagement of Online Integrated Solution (OIS Services), the third-party company that previously managed Nigeria's visa application and submission centres across the United States. Travellers seeking Nigerian visas must now submit their applications directly to Nigerian diplomatic missions with immediate effect.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Akinsola Akinlabi, all visa applicants in the United States should now submit their documents at any of Nigeria's designated diplomatic missions. Applications can be filed at the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C., as well as the Nigerian Consulates in New York and Atlanta.
Reason for Termination Not Disclosed
The NIS did not disclose the reason for terminating the services of OIS, but stressed that the transition is effective immediately. To ease concerns over the sudden change, the immigration agency assured travellers that adequate arrangements have been put in place to prevent disruptions in visa processing.
Akinlabi said the embassy and consulates have been fully prepared to handle visa submissions, processing and issuance efficiently despite the new responsibility. He urged applicants to follow only official communication channels for updates on any additional changes to the visa application process. "The embassy and consulates have put adequate measures in place to ensure seamless submission, processing and issuance of visas," the statement said.
Applicants Advised to Monitor Official Updates
The immigration service advised intending travellers to regularly check announcements from the Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria's diplomatic missions in the United States for the latest information on application procedures. Officials noted that further guidance may be issued as the new system is implemented, according to a report by TheCable.
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to improving service delivery and ensuring that Nigerians and foreign nationals requiring Nigerian visas continue to receive timely and efficient services.
US Releases List of 124 Nigerians to Be Deported
In a related development, the US has released an updated deportation list featuring 124 Nigerians amid President Donald Trump's immigration reforms. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), these individuals have been placed on what it calls its “worst-of-the-worst” criminal register. While the names and photos have been made public, the timeline for deportations and the specific offences remain undisclosed.
The latest development marks a significant shift in Nigeria's visa administration in the United States, ending the use of a private visa application provider and returning the process directly to Nigerian diplomatic missions. Travellers are encouraged to begin preparations early and ensure they submit their applications only through the embassy in Washington, D.C., or the consulates in New York and Atlanta to avoid delays or unnecessary complications during the transition period.
