House Rejects U.S 3-Month Visa Policy

Nigeria’s House of Representatives has rejected the United States government’s decision to limit non-immigrant visas for Nigerian citizens to a three-month single-entry permit, warning of diplomatic rift if the situation is not urgently addressed.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Muhammad Mukhtar and four other lawmakers, who called on Washington to immediately reverse the policy, which replaced the previous five-year multiple-entry visa regime

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Mukhtar expressed concern that the policy, which took effect on July 8, 2025, would have far-reaching implications for business, education, and family ties, particularly for members of Nigeria’s vibrant diaspora community.

The lawmakers, through the motion, warned that the move could damage bilateral relations and disrupt the lives of millions of Nigerians, undermining efforts to sustain over 1 billion dollars in monthly diaspora remittances.

They acknowledged the long-standing strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States anchored on democratic values, mutual respect, and cooperation in trade, education, and security.

The lawmakers also recognised the fundamental role played by the House of Representatives through the creation of the Nigeria-United States Parliamentary Friendship Group; a committee fostering legislative diplomacy between both countries, following consistent engagements with its US counterparts and institutions in Washington DC, New York, Utah, and other jurisdictions, all in a bid to advance mutual understanding and policy cooperation.

The motion noted that Nigerians in the United States form one of the most educated and productive immigrant communities, making enormous contributions to American healthcare, technology, academia, arts, entrepreneurship, and public service, citing exploits by Chimamanda Adichie, Uzoma Asagwara, among many others whose relationships and family ties will be affected by the new policy. 

Lawmakers in other resolutions:

Urged the United States Embassy in Nigeria and the US Department of State to rescind the new visa policy and restore the five-year multiple-entry visa regime previously granted to Nigerian citizens, in light of mutual respect, equity, and reciprocity.

Mandated the Nigeria-United States Parliamentary Friendship Group to formally communicate the House’s position to the U.S. Congress, the State Department, and the Embassy in Nigeria, and intensify diplomatic efforts for fairer immigration policies.

Directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage diplomatically with the U.S. Government to prevent further erosion of relations and to protect the dignity and mobility of Nigerian citizens.