The United States Mission in Nigeria has reminded American citizens that those with significant unpaid child support obligations could have their passports revoked under U.S. law.
In a statement shared on its X account on Wednesday, the mission said the policy is being enforced by the U.S. Department of State in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services. According to the mission, Americans with substantial outstanding child support debts may lose their passport privileges.
The mission explained that U.S. citizens whose passports are revoked while outside the country can only obtain a limited-validity passport that permits direct travel back to the United States. Full passport privileges can only be restored after the outstanding debt has been settled.
Information on the U.S. Department of State’s website shows that Americans who owe more than $2,500 in child support are not eligible to receive a U.S. passport and may also have an existing passport revoked.
The department stated that affected individuals must clear their child support debts through the state where the money is owed before becoming eligible to apply for a new passport. It also stressed that a revoked passport cannot be used for international travel, even after the debt has been paid.
Americans living abroad whose passports have been revoked were advised to contact the relevant state authorities to settle the debt before approaching the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance.
The State Department further noted that those affected may only qualify for a limited-validity passport for direct return to the United States until the Department of Health and Human Services confirms that the debt has been fully repaid.
It added that even after payment is made, it may take between two and three weeks for records to be updated and for passport eligibility to be restored.
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