US slashes African visa processing centres in immigration overhaul
The United States plans to significantly reduce the number of diplomatic missions in Africa that can process visa applications, a move expected to take effect later this month as part of the Trump administration’s broader immigration policy agenda, reports The Associated Press on June 2nd.
According to US officials and an internal State Department memorandum, the number of embassies and consulates across Africa handling visa applications will be cut from nearly 50 locations to just 20 designated processing hubs.
Under the new system, applicants living in countries without a designated hub will be required to travel to another African nation to complete visa procedures. The policy is expected to affect both immigrant and non-immigrant visa applicants seeking entry to the United States.
Officials said the directive was approved last week by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and forms part of wider efforts to strengthen immigration controls and reduce visa overstays. US diplomats were informed of the planned changes during a conference call held on May 29th.
While full visa services will be concentrated in 20 locations, consular sections in other countries will remain operational. These offices will continue assisting US citizens with services such as passport renewals, emergency support, diplomatic visas and certain cases deemed to be in the national interest.
The State Department did not directly address details of the reported restructuring but said it regularly reviews overseas operations to ensure taxpayer resources are used efficiently and in line with American priorities. It added that visa processing must maintain rigorous security screening and vetting standards.
The decision could create additional challenges for visa applicants across Africa, many of whom may now face higher travel expenses and longer journeys to reach processing centres. Critics may also argue that the changes reduce access to US visa services across the continent.
The move comes amid a wider tightening of immigration measures under the Trump administration. Visa processing in Africa has already faced disruptions linked to travel restrictions, financial bond requirements for some applicants and limitations resulting from the Ebola outbreak.
The 20 designated processing hubs will include major diplomatic posts in countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Ethiopia and Senegal.
The Associated Press, Maghrebi.org
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