The U.S. State Department is planning to reduce the number of U.S. embassies and consulates in Africa that process visas for people seeking to enter the United States, according to multiple reports citing an internal State Department memo and U.S. officials. Sources say there are currently almost 50 U.S. diplomatic missions in Africa handling visa applications. Under the planned change, that network would be cut to about 20 “hubs” or visa-processing centers in the coming weeks. The reports indicate the change is expected to take effect in June, though none of the accounts provide a specific start date. The proposed overhaul is described as an effort to restructure how visa services are delivered across the continent, with some locations continuing to handle visa work while others stop processing applications. Several outlets based their reporting on information obtained by The Associated Press. Other coverage notes that the shift would affect thousands of travelers seeking U.S. visas from African countries, as applicants may need to use the remaining hubs rather than local missions.