The United States will slash the number of embassies in Africa that process visas by more than half, the Associated Press reported on Monday, citing sources.

Over the coming weeks, the US will reduce the number of embassies and consulates that are processing visa applications from 50 to 20, according to the report, which cites three US officials and an internal memo.

Since returning to power in January 2025, United States President Donald Trump has tightened immigration rules and deported non-documented migrants to several third countries, including in Africa.

South Sudan, Uganda, Ghana, Eswatini, Sierra Leone, and Rwanda are among the African nations that have, so far, received migrants deported from the US.

Immigration and border policies

Trump states that immigration and border policies, as well as cutting aid costs, are central to his administration's agenda. 

Several African countries, which previously benefited from US donations to health care and development, have had to devise ways to generate funds arising from the gap left by the withdrawn American aid.