Over 150,000 Nigerians, 30,000 Students Applied For US Visas In 2023

More than 150,000 Nigerians wanting to leave for the United States have been interviewed in 2023, the U.S. embassy in Nigeria has revealed. Apart from this, there were 30,000 student visa applicants in the country.

David Greene, the Chargé d'Affaires of the embassy, said the demand for visa appointments was more than what they could issue.

"What folks do not know is that this year we have interviewed more than 150,000 people," he said, DailyTrust reported. "This is in addition to 30,000 students. Hundreds of thousands of students have had the opportunity to seek visas from the U.S."

Greene explained that the embassy is doing its best to "get proper ways for all the categories after having an enormous backlog as a result of COVID-19," adding that there has been "great progress though."

Earlier this year, the U.S. embassy in Nigeria instituted a five-year term for visas for Nigerians.

Most people wanting to travel to the U.S. have requests connected to specific events, Greene noted and urged them to apply for visas early.

"Folks that are seeking visas should apply early, make sure that the plan is for an event as they can. This is because we do acknowledge that there is a backlog and we will do what we can to make sure people that need a warrant visa to the U.S., can get them," he said.

As far as "ease of visa" is concerned, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) lifted a visa ban on Nigerians in September. The decision was taken after Nigerian President Bola Tinubu visited Abu Dhabi and secured a landmark deal across various sectors.

The same month, the president met his South African counterpart to strengthen trade and bilateral relationships. He also spoke about other issues like visa permits for Nigerians.

Addressing the issue of healthcare students migrating to other nations, officials from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), in March, said that several doctors who left the country for greener pastures are already regretting their decision after experiencing discrimination.

More and more young graduates, especially medical professionals are part of the "Japa" wave – a term used to refer to Nigerians leaving the country looking for a better life. They mainly migrate to countries like the U.K., the U.S. and Canada.