South Africa denies rejecting Ayra Starr's visa application

The South African government has denied reports that Nigerian singer Ayra Starr and members of her team were refused visas to enter the country, saying there is no official record of any such application or rejection.

Speaking in an interview with Punch, South Africa’s Consul-General to Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, said immigration authorities could not verify the allegation because no details matching the claims had been found.

“The immigration said they were not aware of the application or the rejection. What will assist us is if the people who are making these allegations send us the names and reference numbers of Ayra Starr and her team. If they were rejected, we will be able to establish why they were rejected and double-check the claims,” he said.

The controversy resurfaced amid renewed calls for Nigeria to adopt a reciprocal visa policy against South African entertainers following recent tensions between both countries.

Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan had urged the Federal Government to closely review visa applications submitted by South African artistes and their teams, arguing that Nigeria should respond in kind if it was confirmed that Ayra Starr and her entourage were denied entry into South Africa.

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

As of the time of filing this report, the singer has not publicly responded to the South African government's request for evidence supporting the visa denial claims.