The House of Representatives on Tuesday, July 22, urged the United States government to reverse its decision to reduce the validity of non-immigrant visas for Nigerians from five years to just three months.
This followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Muhammad Mukhtar and four other lawmakers, who described the new policy as harmful to business, education, and family connections.
Mukhtar said, “The House notes with concern the decision by the United States Department of State on July 8, 2025, to shorten Nigerian non-immigrant visa validity from the existing five-year multiple entry visa to a three-month single entry visa.”
He warned that the move could impact Nigeria’s monthly $1 billion diaspora remittances, a vital financial inflow.
The lawmakers also criticised the US decision as inconsistent with the longstanding Nigeria-US relationship, which they described as one built on mutual respect, shared democratic values, and strong people-to-people ties.
They noted the efforts of the Nigeria-US Parliamentary Friendship Group in promoting legislative diplomacy, highlighting the group’s engagement with American institutions in Washington DC, New York, and Utah, among others.
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In addition, they referenced the group’s reaffirmation of bilateral ties during the recent US Independence Day event in Abuja.
The lawmakers also stressed the value of Nigerians living in the US, saying they remain one of the most educated and productive immigrant communities, with notable contributions across healthcare, technology, arts, academia, and public service.
They warned that the new visa policy undermines decades of cooperation in counterterrorism, trade, education, and cultural exchange.
Citing a recent visit to the US by the Parliamentary Friendship Group, the House noted discussions were held with US lawmakers, including Rep Chris Smith, to address misconceptions and challenge blanket visa restrictions on law-abiding Nigerian citizens.
The House resolved to urge the US to restore the five-year visa regime, and mandated the Parliamentary Friendship Group to formally communicate the resolution to the US Congress, State Department, and embassy.
It also directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to engage diplomatically with the US to defend the rights and dignity of Nigerian citizens.