South Africa Denies Rejecting Ayra Starr’s Visa Application, Requests Proof

The South African government has denied reports that Nigerian music star Ayra Starr and members of her team were refused visas to enter the country.

Speaking in an interview with The PUNCH, South Africa’s Consul-General to Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, said immigration authorities had found no record of any visa application or rejection involving the singer or her entourage.

He urged those making the allegation to submit the names of the affected individuals and their visa application reference numbers so the matter could be properly investigated.

Immigration said they were unaware of the application or its rejection. What would assist us is if the people making these allegations sent us the names and reference numbers for Ayra Starr and her team. If they were rejected, we will be able to establish why they were rejected and double-check the claims,” Moroe said.

The clarification comes amid renewed debate over how South African entertainers are treated when seeking entry into Nigeria.

Last week, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, called on the Federal Government to review visa applications submitted by South African artistes and their teams. She argued that if it is confirmed that Ayra Starr and her entourage were denied visas to South Africa, Nigeria should respond by applying the principle of reciprocity.

Ayra Starr and members of her team were reportedly denied visas in February 2024 ahead of planned performances in Johannesburg and Cape Town.

As of the time of filing this report, the singer had not publicly responded to the South African government’s request for evidence supporting the claims.