The US lifts visa suspension on Nigerian doctors, allowing foreign-trained medical professionals to resume visa processing and work applications
The United States has lifted its suspension on visa processing for foreign-trained doctors, including medical professionals from Nigeria, in a move expected to ease pressure on its healthcare system.
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The restriction, introduced in January, had paused decisions on visa extensions, work permits, and green card applications for citizens from about 39 countries affected by the US travel policy.
According to a report by The New York Times, the policy had left many foreign-trained doctors unable to continue working, with some temporarily removed from active duty.
The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services has now revised its guidelines, allowing medical doctors to resume processing their visa applications.
A spokesperson from the Department of Homeland Security confirmed that applications from doctors will once again be considered and processed.
The policy change comes amid an estimated shortage of about 65,000 doctors in the United States, a gap expected to widen in the coming years.
Foreign-trained doctors currently make up roughly a quarter of the US healthcare workforce, with many serving in rural and underserved communities where staffing shortages are most severe.
The earlier suspension had disrupted hospital operations, forcing some doctors off duty and placing others at risk of job loss.
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With the new directive in place, affected professionals, including Nigerians, are expected to resume normal processing, a development seen as crucial for stabilising healthcare delivery across the country.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
