Visa processing suspended by US for 75 countries, Nigeria, Russia affected
The United States has suspended visa processing for applicants from Nigeria, Russia and a dozen other countries as part of a sweeping review of its immigration screening system, according to an internal directive from the US Department of State.
The instruction, which takes effect from January 21, orders American embassies and consulates to halt visa processing for nationals of at least 73 countries while authorities reassess vetting procedures.
The memo, first reported by Fox News, directs consular officers to rely on existing legal grounds to refuse applications during the review period.
The suspension applies to several visa categories and has no defined end date, as officials have not indicated when the reassessment will be concluded.
Countries affected by the measure cut across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe and Latin America. Among them are Nigeria, Somalia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Russia, Brazil and Thailand.
