The U.S. has placed Bhutan on a travel ban list due to high rates of visa violations and illegal immigration from the country. This move could strain diplomatic relations and complicate the travel of Bhutanese students and professionals. Bhutan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is advocating for a reconsideration of this decision.
Following the re-election of Donald Trump, the U.S. government has implemented stringent travel restrictions for various countries, including Bhutan. A new list categorizes nations into Red, Orange, and Yellow, with those on the Red List facing the most severe bans. This list includes conflict-ridden countries, but Bhutan’s inclusion, despite its reputation as one of the happiest nations, raises eyebrows.
A significant contributing factor to Bhutan’s classification is the high rate of visa violations among its citizens, with 37% of Bhutanese visitors breaching U.S. visa regulations in the prior year. This situation poses a national security concern for the U.S. Moreover, an increase in illegal immigration from Bhutan has prompted further alarm within U.S. authorities.
In light of Bhutan’s new Red List status, the U.S. will impose stricter evaluations on visa applications from Bhutanese nationals, often leading to denials without explicit reasons. Citizens already in the U.S. may also be scrutinized, creating obstacles for Bhutanese students and professionals who regularly travel for educational and work purposes.
The decision could jeopardize the generally positive diplomatic relations between the United States and Bhutan. In response, Bhutan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is appealing for a reconsideration of this travel ban. Notably, the Red List comprises countries like Afghanistan, Syria, and Yemen, which are embroiled in turmoil, making Bhutan’s addition unexpected for many observers.
In summary, the United States has imposed travel bans on Bhutan primarily due to concerns over visa violations among Bhutanese nationals and rising illegal immigration. This decision is projected to complicate future travel and diplomatic relations, highlighting the unexpected categorization of Bhutan alongside conflict-affected nations. The Bhutanese government is urging for a reassessment of this travel policy to mitigate its impact on its citizens.
Original Source: www.india.com
