Nigeria suspends U.S. visa application center services indefinitely
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has indefinitely suspended the services of OIS Services, the operator of Nigeria's Visa Application Centres in the U.S.
- Effective July 1, applicants must submit visa requests directly to the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C., or consulates in New York and Atlanta.
- The suspension does not affect Nigeria's electronic visa (e-Visa) system, and the NIS assures measures are in place for seamless processing.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) announced on Thursday the indefinite suspension of Online Integrated Solution (OIS) Services, the company managing Nigeria's Visa Application Centres in the United States. This decision, effective July 1, impacts prospective travelers and Nigerians residing in the U.S. who need visas to enter Nigeria.
According to a statement from the Service Public Relations Officer, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration Akinsola Akinlabi, all visa applications must now be submitted directly to the Nigerian Embassy in Washington, D.C., or the Consulates General in New York and Atlanta. The suspension of OIS Services will remain in effect until further notice.
Applicants can continue to apply for e-Visas through the official online portal.
Akinlabi clarified that this directive specifically applies to visa application submissions at Nigerian diplomatic missions within the United States and does not extend to Nigeria's electronic visa (e-Visa) system. Applicants can continue to apply for e-Visas through the official online portal.
The NIS stated that adequate measures have been implemented to ensure the seamless submission, processing, and issuance of visas despite the suspension of the OIS Services. The service urged applicants to monitor official communication channels from the NIS and the Nigerian Mission in the U.S. for updates and expressed appreciation for applicants' understanding and cooperation. The NIS reiterated its commitment to efficient service delivery.
The Service Spokesman explained that the suspension of OIS Services would remain in force until further notice.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Vanguard in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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