Overview
- An internal State Department memo obtained by the Associated Press directs a reduction of U.S. embassies and consulates processing visas in Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, with the transition expected to begin in June.
- The memo names 20 cities that will retain full visa-processing capability, including Nairobi, Lagos, Accra, Addis Ababa, Johannesburg and Dakar.
- Non-hub missions will remain open for U.S. citizen services, passport help, emergency assistance, diplomatic visas and special national interest cases but will not handle routine visa adjudications.
- Officials say the change is meant to tighten vetting and reduce overstays, and it follows earlier measures that have already limited access such as travel bans, bond requirements and Ebola-related restrictions.
- The State Department says it regularly reviews overseas operations for security and resources, and observers warn the move will raise travel costs and delays for applicants and further shift consular work toward regional centers.