The United States has suspended its visa dropbox service in Nigeria, mandating that all visitor visa applicants attend in-person interviews for renewals. This move has sparked concerns about increased delays, as visa interview dates are already backlogged, with some applicants waiting over a year.
The dropbox system, which allowed eligible applicants to submit their passports without attending an in-person interview, was a convenient option for many Nigerians, particularly those with recent U.S. travel history. However, with its removal, applicants will now have to schedule and attend in-person interviews, potentially prolonging the visa approval process.
This change may significantly impact business travelers, students, and frequent visitors who relied on the dropbox system for faster renewals. Many Nigerians may face disruptions to their travel plans, and some observers believe the decision may be linked to the lingering impact of Donald Trump’s restrictive immigration policies.
It’s worth noting that the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria has not provided an official explanation for the suspension of the dropbox service. The embassy had previously suspended the service in 2018, citing concerns over visa overstays by Nigerian travelers.
Source : https://vanguardngr.com
