US to reduce visa processing locations in Africa, impacting Algerian applicants

This restructuring, revealed by the Associated Press through an internal memo and anonymous US officials, means that Algerian visa applicants will soon need to travel to another country at their own expense to apply, as Algiers is not among the 20 designated hubs. This decision reflects the Trump administration's strict immigration policy, aiming to restrict access to the US and curb temporary visa overstays, alongside a global reduction in US diplomatic staff. A directive approved by Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicates that the State Department will scale back consular operations in all African countries except for 20 "important centers."

Access to US visas in Africa was already challenging due to travel bans, high bond requirements, and health restrictions. The new rules will impose significant logistical and financial burdens on citizens from excluded countries who must travel to one of the 20 approved sites. While excluded consulates will not fully close, their services will be limited to emergency assistance, passport renewals for US citizens, and exceptional processing of diplomatic visas or cases of national interest.

The State Department stated it "constantly evaluates its overseas operations" to ensure taxpayer money efficiently serves US priorities, emphasizing a visa system with maximum security requirements. The 20 m