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US Revokes Over 80,000 Visas Of Nigerians, Others In Major Immigration Crackdown

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Trump Faces Hardest Iran Decision

The United States Department of State has revoked the visas of more than 80,000 individuals, including Nigerians and nationals of several other countries, as part of a wide-ranging immigration enforcement drive under President Donald Trump’s administration.

The development, announced in a statement on Thursday, was described by the State Department as a fulfilment of Trump’s pledge to tighten America’s borders and prioritize national security.

The department tagged the move “promises made, promises kept,” stressing that the revocations were consistent with the administration’s national security strategy.

According to official data from 2024, the bulk of the revocations were tied to three major offenses: assault, theft and driving under the influence (DUI).

The breakdown shows:

16,000 visas revoked for DUI

12,000 for assault

8,000 for theft

The department added that other grounds included terrorism-related links, extremist activity, public safety risks, and violations of visa conditions.

According to Vanguard, a senior State Department official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the three leading offences accounted for nearly half of all visa cancellations recorded this year.

The measure forms part of a sweeping immigration overhaul launched during Trump’s tenure, which tightened visa screening protocols and expanded vetting measures.

Under the program, U.S. consular officers began conducting extensive background checks on applicants’ social media histories, political affiliations and online behavior.

The crackdown also coincided with a rise in deportations and stricter enforcement of overstays and visa violations.

In August, the department confirmed that more than 6,000 student visas were cancelled for various infractions, including overstaying, academic fraud, and legal violations.

Officials noted that a small number of those cases involved terrorism-related concerns.

The government also revoked visas belonging to at least six individuals over social media posts referencing the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.

U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, disclosed in May that hundreds, possibly thousands, of visas had been revoked for actions deemed hostile to American foreign policy interests.

Rubio said diplomats worldwide had been directed to scrutinize applicants for signs of anti-American sentiment or political activism that might pose a threat to U.S. national objectives.

Officials further cautioned that green card and visa holders could face deportation for public expressions of support for Palestinians or criticism of Israel amid the escalating Gaza conflict, saying such statements could be interpreted as sympathy for Hamas.

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Foreign

BREAKING: Ambassador to US Sacked

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday dismissed his ambassador to the United States, Olga Stefanishyna, in a move that had been expected following a government reshuffle last month.

The sacking, announced by decree, happened, however, as Kyiv was lobbying Washington hard to obtain more Patriot air defence missiles to block Russian strikes.

In a Facebook post in which she also posted a letter asking to be relieved of her duties, Stefanishyna said the decision was her own and “dictated by personal circumstances”.

She called her posting to Washington “the greatest honour” of her life.

“We increased the supply of American weapons and maintained support precisely when the political climate in Washington was shifting against us,” she added.

Stefanishyna, a former deputy prime minister and justice minister, was nominated as ambassador in July last year.

The role is crucial for Ukraine, which depends on US arms deliveries and intelligence-sharing in the conflict against Russia.

Relations between Zelensky and his US counterpart Donald Trump have been strained and, at times, stormy.

But the billionaire Republican former real estate mogul has recently been more encouraging towards the Ukrainian leader.

According to Ukrainian media, Stefanishyna is under investigation by the country’s anti-corruption agency on suspicion of wrongdoing, although she has not been formally accused.

Zelensky, who made a controversial government reshuffle in July, has not yet announced who will replace Stefanishyna as ambassador in Washington.

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Business

UK Lists 10 Requirements Nigerians Need To Secure Work Visa

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The UK Home Office has set out detailed requirements that foreign nationals, including Nigerians, must satisfy before they can qualify for a Skilled Worker visa.

The requirements, published on the UK government’s official website, apply to overseas professionals seeking to work in eligible jobs with approved employers across the United Kingdom.

According to the Home Office, applicants must meet employment, salary, language and documentation requirements before a visa can be granted. Additional evidence may also be requested depending on an applicant’s circumstances.

1. Have a job offer from an approved employer: Applicants must first secure a job offer from a UK employer licensed by the Home Office to sponsor foreign workers.

The employer must issue a Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS), which contains details of the job being offered.

2. Work in an eligible occupation: The job must appear on the UK’s list of eligible occupations for the Skilled Worker visa. Applicants must know the correct occupation code assigned to their role before applying.

3. Meet the minimum salary requirement: Most applicants must earn at least £41,700 per year or the “going rate” for their occupation, whichever is higher.

Most applicants must earn at least £41,700 per year or the “going rate” for their occupation, whichever is higher. Lower salary thresholds may apply for some healthcare workers, graduates, younger applicants and certain PhD holders.

4. Prove English language ability: Applicants must show they can speak, read, write and understand English. This can be done through approved English language tests or recognised educational qualifications taught in English.

5. Hold a valid passport: Applicants must provide a valid passport or another accepted document proving their identity and nationality as part of the visa application.

6. Show proof of financial support: Most applicants must demonstrate they have at least £1,270 available to support themselves after arriving in the UK unless their employer confirms it will cover those costs.

7. Pay visa fees and healthcare surcharge: Applicants must pay the visa application fee, the Immigration Health Surcharge for each year of their stay, and meet any other required charges before their application can be processed.

Partners and children of Skilled Worker visa holders may apply as dependants. Supporting a partner requires showing at least £285 in available funds, £315 for one child, and £200 for each additional child

8. Submit supporting documents: Applicants must provide supporting documents, including their Certificate of Sponsorship reference number, salary details, occupation code and employer information. Depending on individual circumstances, additional documents may also be required.

9. Provide extra certificates where required: Some applicants may need to submit additional documents such as tuberculosis (TB) test results, criminal record certificates, Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificates or proof of overseas qualifications.

10. Apply within the required timeframe: Applicants must submit their Skilled Worker visa application within three months of receiving their Certificate of Sponsorship from their employer.

The Home Office also advises applicants to complete identity verification and provide all required documents before a decision can be made.

Additional documents may be requested

The UK government stressed that meeting the eligibility requirements does not automatically guarantee visa approval. Immigration officials may request further documents or information to verify an applicant’s eligibility before making a final decision.

For Nigerians and other foreign professionals hoping to work in the UK, understanding these 10 requirements can help them prepare a stronger Skilled Worker visa application.

Full breakdown of the rules can be downloaded here.

 

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Business

Canada Publishes 2 Official Websites to Find Jobs, Says Over 2,000 Vacancies Are Posted Daily 

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Canada has made it easier for unemployed individuals and foreigners who wish to live and work in the country to find jobs that can help them live comfortably and meet their basic responsibilities.

On the official Canadian government website, two links are provided to websites where job seekers can find available jobs in Canada

According to the Canadian government website, applicants who apply for jobs through these platforms can get hired by different companies, as more than 2,000 jobs are posted every day.

Aside from these two websites, the Canadian government explains that individuals can also use employment agencies to help them find jobs that match their skills.

A job seeker can also ask friends or family members if there are job openings or vacancies, as not all positions are advertised on these websites.

1. Job Bank

The Canadian government explains that thousands of jobs are advertised on this platform every day by organisations and companies. The link to access the website can be found in the detailed post published on the Canadian government website.

2. Jobs GC

Another website where foreigners who wish to work in Canada or Canadian citizens can find government jobs is the Jobs GC website. Federal public service jobs are advertised on the website, alongside several other opportunities that may match an applicant’s skills.

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