The United States has paused visa processing for Nigeria, Russia, and at least 73 other countries over concerns that some applicants may become dependent on public welfare.
The directive comes from the US Department of State and takes effect from January 21, remaining in place pending a review of immigration screening procedures.
The affected countries span Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, including Nigeria, Somalia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Afghanistan, Brazil, and Thailand.
Applications across multiple visa categories will be refused during the reassessment.
Recall Dockaysworld reported that the United States had added Nigeria to a travel restriction list due to alleged ‘overstaying’.
The new policy is tied to the “public charge” rule in US immigration law, which allows authorities to deny visas to applicants likely to rely on public benefits.
Recent guidance has expanded the factors considered, including age, health, English proficiency, financial stability, employment prospects, and potential need for long-term medical care.
Somalia has faced particular scrutiny after a Minnesota fraud investigation, in which Somali nationals and Somali-Americans were accused of abusing welfare programs.
While Nigeria was not singled out, its inclusion signals stricter controls at a time when many Nigerians seek student, work, tourist, and family-based visas.
The State Department has not provided a timeline for the review or clarified whether humanitarian exemptions will apply.
