U.S HALTS VISA SERVICES AT EMBASSY IN NIGER REPUBLIC, STATE DEPARTMENT SAYS. (PHOTO).

US halts Visa services at Embassy in Niger Republic, State Department says

The United States is suspending all routine visa services at its embassy in Niamey, the capital of Niger, until further notice, according to a State Department spokesperson and an internal cable dated July 25, seen by Reuters. The pause affects all immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories, though diplomatic and official visas are exempt. The State Department said the suspension will remain in place until Washington resolves “concerns with the Government of Niger,” without providing further specifics.

The internal cable also directed consular officers at other visa processing posts to apply “heightened scrutiny” when evaluating non-immigrant visa applications from Nigerien nationals, citing high overstay rates of 8% for visitor visas and 27% for student and exchange visas. It urged consular managers to reduce overstays and emphasized the need for “particular vigilance” in adjudicating these applications. The U.S. embassy has informed those affected by the suspension.

This move comes amid a tough stance on immigration under President Donald Trump, who has pushed for increased arrests and deportations of undocumented migrants. His administration has also targeted student visa and green card holders accused of supporting Palestinians or criticizing Israel’s actions in the Gaza conflict, labeling such activities a threat to U.S. foreign policy.

In a related development, the U.S. military completed its withdrawal from Niger in September, following an order from the country’s ruling junta in April 2024 to remove nearly 1,000 American troops. This marked a significant setback for Washington, as Niger had been a crucial partner in combating insurgents in the Sahel region prior to last year’s coup. The insurgency has caused widespread death and displacement across West Africa.