Bhutan is on the US travel ban list due to increased visa violations and national security concerns. The travel ban implements strict measures for Bhutanese citizens, affecting visas and travel. The distinctions in travel restrictions across countries reflect broader US security policies.
The United States has recently included Bhutan on its draft red travel ban list, alongside Afghanistan. In contrast, Pakistan occupies the orange category, indicating limited but not banned travel. This decision comes as the US noted a significant 37% increase in visa violations by Bhutanese nationals in the past year.
The proposed travel ban, devised by the State Department, classifies countries into three categories: red (full ban), orange (restricted entry), and yellow (conditional compliance required).
Countries on the red list include Afghanistan, Bhutan, Cuba, and others, which will be prohibited from entering the US. The orange list features nations like Pakistan, for whom travel restrictions will apply but will allow entry for certain categories, particularly wealthy business individuals. The yellow list consists of countries required to rectify certain issues by the US.
The ban on Bhutan, often celebrated for its high happiness index, has been attributed to “national security concerns” and dubious immigration patterns, with increasing numbers of Bhutanese overstaying their visas or entering the US illegally. As a result of this travel ban, Bhutanese citizens may face stringent scrutiny and processing delays for visas.
In summary, Bhutan’s inclusion on the US travel ban list stems from heightened visa violations, prompting significant travel restrictions, which may impact the historically stable US-Bhutan relations. The proposed travel restrictions categories delineate the nature of sanctions against various countries, reflecting a complex response to national security and immigration concerns. The ramifications of these measures require careful consideration, particularly for those individuals already holding visas or seeking to enter the US from Bhutan.
Original Source: www.news18.com
