The United States has paused all routine visa services at its embassy in Niamey, Niger, until further notice, according to a State Department spokesperson and an internal cable seen by Reuters.
The pause, which affects both immigrant and non-immigrant visa categories, was implemented due to concerns with the Government of Niger, with no specified timeline for resumption.
The US embassy in Niamey has stopped processing regular visas, except for most diplomatic and official visas, citing security concerns and high rates of visa overstays by Nigerien nationals.
Consular officers have been instructed to apply heightened scrutiny to non-immigrant visa applications from Nigerien nationals, with overstay rates of 8% for visitor visas and 27% for student and exchange visas.
This move reflects stricter US immigration policies, potentially impacting thousands of individuals seeking education, work, or family reunification in the US.
Affected applicants are advised to monitor the US Embassy Niamey’s website for updates and avoid making non-refundable travel plans without a valid visa.
