Reps Condemn U.S. Visa Policy Shift, Demand Restoration of 5-Year Validity

Abuja, Nigeria – July 23, 2025

The Nigerian House of Representatives has called on the United States government to immediately reverse its recent decision to cut the validity of Nigerian non-immigrant visas from five years to just three months, describing the move as diplomatically insensitive and damaging to bilateral relations.

The resolution was passed during plenary on Tuesday following a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Muhammad Mukhtar and four others. The lawmakers warned that the new policy implemented by the U.S. State Department on July 8, 2025 will severely impact business operations, academic programs, family connections, and diaspora engagement.

According to Mukhtar, the shift from a five-year multiple-entry visa to a three-month single-entry visa undermines decades of mutual trust and cooperation between both countries. He noted that Nigerians in the diaspora, who send over $1 billion in monthly remittances, may face disruptions due to restricted travel access.

“The U.S. move is not only a diplomatic slight but also a direct blow to countless Nigerians with legitimate engagements in America. It contradicts the spirit of partnership built through years of shared democratic values, legislative collaboration, and people-to-people exchanges,” he said.

The House also cited the vital role played by the Nigeria-U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Group in strengthening legislative diplomacy. They noted that Nigerians remain one of the most educated and economically productive immigrant groups in the U.S., with contributions spanning healthcare, technology, academia, and public service.

Lawmakers further referenced recent high-level engagements with U.S. Congress members, including Representative Chris Smith, during which Nigeria’s security efforts and the need for fairer treatment of its citizens were discussed.

In its resolution, the House directed the Nigeria-U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Group to formally communicate its position to the U.S. Congress, State Department, and Embassy in Abuja. It urged Washington to reconsider the new visa regime in the spirit of reciprocity, respect, and continued cooperation.