The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has not been issuing visas for two weeks, after running out of visa labels.

It was also gathered that the development is causing tension among applicants as they are unable to meet scheduled appointments and transact business in Nigeria.

A source also told our correspondent yesterday that those seeking for visas are being turned back or asked to return at a future date.

The development has also come as a shock to many applicants who had planned to visit on business or holiday.

One applicant told our correspondent his plan to visit on business this month had been ruined by the visa label scarcity.

A visa label is placed in the holder's passport or travel document, and contains information about the holder's entitlements to travel to and stay in the country that he or she is visiting , as well as other conditions (such as the ability to work or study ).

When contacted over the matter, the Director of Communications, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Ode told our correspondent he was not aware of the development. He simply said, "I am not aware of the development.