The South African Consul-General to Nigeria, Prof Bobby Moroe, has clarified that Nigerian singer Ayra Starr was denied a visa to South Africa because she submitted an inappropriate yellow fever certificate, not because of her nationality or status.
Visa denial details
Speaking to Punch, Prof Moroe explained that the rejection occurred in February 2024, contrary to recent portrayals. The issue resurfaced after reports claimed Starr and her team were denied entry visas, prompting the South African mission to meet with her team and clarify the requirements.
"One of the challenges was that they did not submit an appropriate yellow fever certificate. They submitted the yellow fever certificate of another country when they were supposed to submit the yellow fever certificate of their home country," Moroe said.
Resolution and visa granted
He noted that the matter was resolved amicably, and Starr was later granted a one-year visa to perform in South Africa in 2024. "Subsequently, the matter was resolved amicably and they were granted a one-year visa to go and perform in South Africa in 2024, and I think that was what they forgot to mention," he added.
The envoy dismissed claims that the denial was linked to recent anti-foreigner sentiments in South Africa, saying, "I do not see the relevance of that rejection to the development of today, except for using that rejection to sow division."
Visa policy stance
Moroe emphasized that visa decisions are based on meeting requirements, not personal attributes. "If you meet the requirement for a visa, whether you are a star or not, tall, short, black or white, if you qualify, you will get it. But if you don’t, regardless of who you are, the immigration section will uphold the immigration law of the country," he said.
The clarification comes amid tensions after South Africans demanded the exit of Black Africans from other nations, and following Tyla's tour announcement that included Nigeria, which sparked calls for her to be denied entry.
