Cambodia anticipates a positive outcome regarding upcoming US visa restrictions due to its cooperation with the US on citizen deportations. The Trump administration is considering new travel limits categorized as Red, Orange, and Yellow, with Cambodia listed in the least restrictive Yellow category. The country is actively facilitating repatriation processes and seeks to address any concerns raised by the US.
Phnom Penh has expressed optimism regarding upcoming visa restrictions potentially enacted by the United States. A spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that Cambodia expects favorable consideration due to its comprehensive cooperation concerning citizens facing US removal orders.
Reports indicate that the Trump administration is contemplating new travel restrictions targeting 43 countries, categorized by severity into three color-coded groups: Red, Orange, and Yellow. Cambodia is listed among 21 nations classified under the Yellow category, indicative of the least stringent restrictions.
The Red category includes 11 countries completely barred from entry into the US, such as Afghanistan and North Korea. The Orange category also encompasses 11 countries facing stringent visa limitations, including Belarus and Russia.
The Yellow category consists of nations like Angola, Burkina Faso, and Cambodia, which will reportedly have a 60-day window to address US administration concerns or risk being reevaluated into more severe categories. These concerns could relate to the deportation of Cambodian individuals with criminal records in the US.
Chum Sounry, the spokesperson for Cambodia’s foreign ministry, emphasized that the ministry has not received formal notification regarding this matter. However, Cambodia remains proactive in gathering information through diplomatic means and is committed to facilitating the repatriation of its nationals.
According to Mr. Sounry, Cambodia is engaging with US authorities to accelerate the process of repatriation by conducting interviews and issuing travel documents without obstruction. He affirmed the importance of Cambodia’s cooperation and expressed confidence that these actions would lead to favorable recognition of their bilateral relations.
While specific figures on Cambodians awaiting deportation were not disclosed, reports indicated that, as of November 2024, 1,747 Cambodians were involved with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE).
In conclusion, Cambodia is approaching the potential new US visa restrictions with confidence and optimism. The country has demonstrated full cooperation in handling deportations and believes this will positively influence the US administration’s evaluation of its status. The collaboration between Cambodia and the US is expected to mitigate the impact of the proposed travel restrictions, particularly given the strong diplomatic efforts currently underway.
Original Source: vietnamnews.vn
