The United States is set to stop routine visa processing at about 30 embassies and consulates across Africa under a major overhaul of its consular...
WASHINGTON — The United States is set to stop routine visa processing at about 30 embassies and consulates across Africa under a major overhaul of its consular operations, according to reports citing an internal State Department memo.
The move will reduce the number of US diplomatic missions on the continent handling visa applications from nearly 50 to about 20 in the coming weeks.
Advertisement
According to the Associated Press, which cited three US officials and an internal memorandum, the changes are expected to take effect during June, although no specific implementation date has been announced. (AP News)
The restructuring forms part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to tighten immigration policies and reduce visa overstays by foreign visitors. Reuters reported that the changes would affect both immigrant and non-immigrant visa services. (Reuters)
US diplomats, including consular officials, were informed of the planned changes during a conference call held last week, according to officials familiar with the matter. (AP News)
Under the new arrangement, selected countries will serve as regional visa-processing hubs, requiring applicants from neighbouring nations to travel outside their home countries to attend visa interviews and complete application procedures. (Business Insider Africa)
Despite the reduction in visa services, embassies and consulates that lose processing responsibilities are expected to continue providing assistance to American citizens, handling emergency cases and offering diplomatic services. (AP News)
Analysts say the new system could increase travel costs and waiting times for African applicants, as many may be required to cross borders to access visa services. (Al Jazeera)
The changes come amid wider adjustments to US immigration policy and reductions in staffing levels at diplomatic missions around the world. (euronews)
The State Department has not publicly released the complete list of embassies that will retain visa-processing functions, but reports indicate that only about 20 locations across Africa will continue offering the service. (Los Angeles Times)
The planned overhaul is expected to significantly change how millions of Africans apply for US visas and could reshape travel and migration patterns across the continent in the coming years.
