Canadian authorities have cancelled the 10-year multiple-entry visa issued to Nigerians and foreigners in an effort to cut down on immigration after recording a surge in population growth post-Covid.

The multiple-entry visa, before its cancellation, allowed holders to enter and exit Canada as they pleased but an update by the government on Wednesday stated that it was no longer considered the “standard document.”

“Guidance has been updated to indicate that multiple-entry visas issued to maximum validity are no longer considered to be the standard document,” reads a statement by the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

“Officers may exercise their judgement in deciding whether to issue a single or multiple-entry visa, and in determining the validity period,” the statement added.

Majority of Nigerians had fled the Sub-Saharan nation in light of inflation and rising insecurity to find refuge in Canada who welcomed immigrants to coubter a declining population and meet workforce demands.

But the country, now overwhelmed with immigrants, was backpedalling its approach to address the recent influx.

In October, the IRCC announced a reduction in its permanent resident target for 2025 from 500,000 to 395,000. The target for 2026 previously 500,000 will decrease to 380,000, and for 2027, Canada plans to admit 365,000 permanent residents.