Cambodia anticipates fair treatment regarding potential U.S. visa restrictions owing to its cooperation on deportations. The U.S. administration is considering travel restrictions categorized as Red, Orange, and Yellow. Cambodia is on the Yellow list and must address U.S. concerns within 60 days to avoid stricter categorization. The Foreign Ministry underscores ongoing collaboration with U.S. authorities to facilitate deportations.
In light of potential new travel restrictions being considered by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, Cambodia expresses hope for fair treatment due to its collaboration on deportations. Recently, it has been reported that the U.S. plans to categorize 43 countries into three color-coded groups: Red, Orange, and Yellow, according to the severity of the restrictions. Cambodia appears on the yellow list, indicating it faces the least stringent limitations.
The Red category will impose a ban on citizens from eleven countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Venezuela. The Orange category will see heavy restrictions imposed on another eleven nations such as Russia and Pakistan. Meanwhile, the Yellow category features countries including Angola, Barbados, and Zimbabwe, with Cambodia included. Countries in the yellow classification must address the U.S. administration’s unspecified “concerns” within 60 days to avoid stricter measures.
Chum Sounry, a spokesperson for the Cambodian Foreign Ministry, informed The Post that they have not officially received notifications regarding these matters. Cambodia has reinforced its commitment to cooperating with U.S. authorities in the repatriation of Cambodian nationals subject to deportation. Collaborative efforts from various government branches, including the Ministry of Interior, aim to expedite the procedure.
Sounry emphasized, “In this spirit, Cambodia has consistently conducted interviews and issued travel documents to speed up the process.” He expressed optimism, stating, “Given Cambodia’s demonstrated cooperation in this matter and the overall good trajectory of bilateral relations between the two countries,” the efforts should be viewed positively. However, precise data regarding the number of Cambodians awaiting deportation remains unavailable, although it was reported to be 1,747 in November 2024 according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Cambodia anticipates a positive response to the potential U.S. visa restrictions, emphasizing its ongoing cooperation with U.S. authorities on deportation matters. Despite being placed on the yellow list, Cambodia remains committed to addressing any concerns raised by the U.S. administration. The collaborative efforts between both nations reflect a desire for good bilateral relations, which may influence future decisions regarding visa restrictions.
Original Source: www.nationthailand.com
