NIS announces indefinite suspension of U.S. visa application centres

Abuja: The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has announced the indefinite suspension of the services of Online Integrated Solution (OIS Services), the operator of Nigeria’s Visa Application Centres in the United States, effective from July 1.

This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the Service Public Relations Officer (SPRO), Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI), Mr Akinsola Akinlabi.

Akinlabi said that the development affected prospective travellers and Nigerians residing in the United States who required visas to enter Nigeria.

According to him, all applicants seeking Nigerian visas are now required to submit their applications directly at the Embassy of Nigeria in Washington, D.C., or at the Consulates General of Nigeria in New York and Atlanta.

The Service Spokesman explained that the suspension of OIS Services would remain in force until further notice.

He however, clarified that the directive applied only to visa application submissions at the Nigerian diplomatic missions in the United States.

He said the suspension did not affect Nigeria’s electronic visa (e-Visa) system.

“Applicants can continue to apply for e-Visas through the official online portal,” he said.

Akinlabi said the service had put adequate measures in place to ensure the seamless submission, processing and issuance of visas in spite of the suspension of the Visa Application Centres.

He urged applicants to monitor the official communication channels of the NIS and the Nigerian Mission in the United States for updates on visa application procedures.

The NIS spokesman expressed appreciation to applicants for their understanding and cooperation during the period.

He however, reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Immigration Service to efficient service delivery. (NAN)