“Why We Initially Denied Ayra Starr South African Visa” — Envoy Says Team Submitted Wrong Yellow Fever Certificate

South Africa’s Consul-General to Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, has explained that Afrobeats singer Ayra Starr was initially denied a South African visa because her team submitted an incorrect yellow fever certificate, stressing that the incident occurred in February 2024 and was later resolved.

Moroe said reports presenting the visa denial as a recent development were inaccurate, explaining that the singer’s team had submitted a yellow fever certificate issued by another country instead of the certificate required from Nigeria, her country of origin.

“One of the challenges was that they did not submit an appropriate yellow fever certificate. They submitted the yellow fever certificate of another country when they were supposed to submit the yellow fever certificate of their home country,” Moroe said.

The envoy rejected suggestions that the decision was specifically targeted at Ayra Starr or Nigerian applicants, maintaining that South African visa applications are determined by compliance with the country’s immigration requirements.

According to him, South African officials later engaged the singer’s team, explained the necessary requirements and resolved the issue.

“Subsequently, the matter was resolved amicably, and they were granted a one-year visa to go and perform in South Africa in 2024, and I think that was what they forgot to mention,” he said.

Moroe stressed that celebrity status does not confer special treatment in the visa process and that every applicant is expected to satisfy the same immigration requirements.

“If you meet the requirement for a visa, whether you are a star or not, tall, short, black or white, if you qualify, you will get it. But if you don’t, regardless of who you are, the immigration section will uphold the immigration law of the country,” he said.

His clarification followed renewed claims that some Nigerian entertainers had been denied South African visas, fuelling speculation that the country had tightened entry restrictions against Nigerians.

Moroe dismissed the claims, insisting that South Africa had not stopped issuing visas to Nigerian citizens and that applicants who satisfy the requirements continue to receive approval.

“Whether you are Ayra Starr or anyone, if you qualify, you will get it. The narrative that we have stopped issuing visas to Nigerians is false. We are not politicians; we don’t get into politics. Whether there are unrest or not, if you qualify for the visa, you will be given,” he said.

The Consul-General also disclosed that the number of visa applications from Nigerians had increased in recent months.

According to him, applications that previously averaged between 40 and 60 per month had risen to between 60 and 80, indicating continued demand for South African visas despite reports suggesting otherwise.

Moroe maintained that the Ayra Starr incident was ultimately resolved after the correct requirements were met, with the singer receiving a one-year visa that allowed her to travel to South Africa for performances in 2024.