The United States Mission in Nigeria has addressed reports linking the recent reduction in visa validity for Nigerian citizens to diplomatic tensions over asylum policies, stating that the change is part of a broader global review rather than retaliation for Nigeria?s refusal to host third-country deportees.

In a statement issued Friday, the U.S. Mission said the decision to shorten the validity period for most nonimmigrant visas to Nigeria is rooted in an ongoing worldwide assessment of visa use, guided by ?technical and security benchmarks.? It dismissed suggestions that the policy shift was politically motivated or connected to recent developments involving asylum seekers.

?This reduction is not the result of any nation?s stance on third-country deportees, the introduction of e-visa policies, or affiliations with groups like BRICS,? the embassy clarified.

?We value our longstanding partnership with Nigeria and remain committed to working closely with both the Nigerian public and government officials.?

The clarification comes amid reports suggesting that the U.S. had linked the updated visa policy to Nigeria?s rejection of a proposal to host asylum seekers awaiting U.S. immigration processing?a plan reportedly floated under former President Donald Trump?s administration. The arrangement was said to resemble similar deals between Western nations and African countries such as Rwanda and Djibouti.

The new U.S. visa policy, which took effect on July 8, reduces the validity of non-diplomatic visas for most Nigerians to three months and limits them to single-entry. While the U.S. government has described the move as part of a global reciprocity review, diplomatic sources have suggested that Nigeria?s refusal to participate in third-country asylum processing may have influenced the timing and scope of the decision.

In response to the policy, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria?s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the visa restriction as ?unfair and disproportionate.? While acknowledging the U.S. government?s right to enforce immigration measures, Ebienfa urged Washington to adopt a balanced approach.

?We call for a fair resolution in the spirit of partnership and shared global responsibilities,? he said. (The Guardian, excluding headline)

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