The United States plans to "cut in half" the number of consulates in Africa that issue visas.

An internal memorandum from the U.S. State Department shows that the United States plans to significantly reduce visa operations in the African region in the coming weeks, with the number of U.S. consulates able to process visa operations decreasing from nearly 50 to 20. According to three U.S. officials who declined to be named, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo approved last week that, except for 20 designated "hubs," U.S. embassies in African countries will reduce consular services. The related adjustments are expected to take effect in June. An official revealed that in a phone call held last week, U.S. diplomatic personnel, including heads of consular departments, received relevant notifications.