OIS: We’ve Not Been Disengaged from Nigeria’s US Visa Processing

OIS Services (OIS) says it has not been disengaged by the Nigerian government as the country’s visa service provider in the United States.

On Thursday, the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) said it had disengaged OIS from its services and asked travellers in the US who require Nigerian visas to submit their applications directly to the Nigerian embassy and consulates.

The NIS said the disengagement was effective immediately but did not state why.

But in a statement issued by Ellie Brockbank, OIS account executive, the organisation said the reports suggesting it had been disengaged from visa services were incorrect.

“The current situation relates to an administrative process concerning the recognition of private companies, such as OIS, as service providers supporting visa processing and related consular functions on behalf of foreign missions, in accordance with applicable U.S. Government procedures,” the statement reads.

“Pending the completion of that administrative process, visa application submission and biometric services through OIS have been temporarily paused.

“OIS remains committed to supporting the Government of Nigeria and continues to engage constructively with the relevant authorities with a view to resuming services as soon as the administrative process has concluded.”

OIS said it was working with the relevant authorities and asked visa applicants for patience.