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  • US Lifts Visa Freeze on Foreign Doctors, Nigerians Resume Applications

    The United States government has reversed its earlier policy suspending visa processing for foreign-trained doctors, allowing physicians from Nigeria and about 38 other countries to resume their applications.

    The decision follows months of disruption that left many affected doctors unable to practise.

    Policy shift after months of disruption

    The restriction, introduced in January, had halted visa extensions, work permits, and green card processing for citizens of nearly 39 countries under the US travel ban framework.

    The move affected thousands of foreign-trained doctors, including Nigerians, many of whom were placed on administrative leave or faced uncertainty over their employment status.

    Doctors now exempted

    The US Citizenship and Immigration Services has now updated its guidelines, exempting medical doctors from the freeze.

    A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security confirmed the change, stating that applications involving medical physicians will continue to be processed.

    The update effectively restores pathways for affected doctors to continue working legally in the United States.

    Healthcare shortage drives reversal

    The policy reversal comes amid mounting pressure on the US healthcare system, which is grappling with a shortage of about 65,000 doctors.

    Experts warn the gap could widen significantly in the coming years if staffing challenges persist.

    Foreign-trained physicians account for roughly 25 percent of the US medical workforce, playing a critical role in primary care delivery, especially in rural and underserved areas.

    Relief for Nigerian doctors

    With processing now resumed, Nigerian doctors affected by the policy are expected to return to active practice or continue their application processes without further delay.

    The development is also seen as a relief for US hospitals that rely heavily on foreign-trained professionals to sustain operations.

  • FG Backs Down as Resident Doctors Suspend Planned Strike Over Allowances

    The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has suspended its planned indefinite strike after the Federal Government reversed its position on allowances and pledged to meet key financial demands.

    Allowance Reversal Calms Tension

    The decision followed a major shift by the government on the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT), which had earlier triggered outrage among doctors.

    NARD confirmed that the reversal would take effect immediately, with implementation expected to reflect in April salaries and continue in subsequent payments.

    “The NEC observed that the earlier decision to halt the implementation of the reviewed Professional Allowance Table (PAT) has been reversed, with implementation expected to reflect in the April salary and beyond,” the association stated.

    High-Level Talks Break Deadlock

    The breakthrough came after a series of engagements between the doctors’ body and top government officials.

    NARD said discussions involved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other key stakeholders in the health sector.

    The meetings helped ease tensions that had been building over unpaid allowances and welfare concerns.

    Arrears and Training Fund in Focus

    Beyond the allowance reversal, the government also committed to settling outstanding salary arrears owed to resident doctors.

    According to NARD, the Budget Office has already indicated readiness to begin payment of the nineteen months’ arrears tied to the Professional Allowance.

    The association added that steps are also underway to commence the disbursement of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, a critical support scheme for doctors in training.

    Strike Suspended, Monitoring Continues

    While the strike has been suspended, NARD signalled that it will continue to monitor the government’s compliance with the agreements reached.

    The association maintained that full implementation of the promises will determine its next line of action.