The US government has imposed a travel ban on Bhutan, categorizing it alongside conflict-affected nations like Afghanistan and Syria due to high visa violations by Bhutanese nationals. The move raises concerns over national security and complicates diplomatic relations between the US and Bhutan, prompting the Bhutanese government to request a reconsideration of the ban.
In recent actions following Donald Trump’s second inauguration, the United States has announced stricter travel restrictions for 43 countries, categorizing them into Red, Orange, and Yellow lists. Countries designated in the Red List face the most severe limitations, prohibiting any entry for their citizens into the US. This list prominently includes conflict-affected nations like Afghanistan, North Korea, and Syria, known for their instability or poor diplomatic relations with the US. Surprisingly, Bhutan—a nation renowned for its happiness—has also been included.
The primary reason for Bhutan’s inclusion is the alarming rate of visa violations by its nationals; many have overstayed their permits, which raises national security concerns for the US. Additionally, there is an increasing trend of Bhutanese individuals entering the US through illegal means, contributing to these security apprehensions. According to data from the US Department of Homeland Security, 37% of Bhutanese visitors breached visa regulations last year. Consequently, Bhutanese citizens now face stringent screening processes and potential visa rejections without clear justification.
The new restrictions not only complicate the visa acquisition process for Bhutanese citizens but also introduce stringent scrutiny for those already residing in the US. This will particularly affect Bhutanese students and professionals who often travel for educational and career opportunities. Furthermore, the travel ban could potentially strain the generally positive diplomatic relations between the US and Bhutan. In light of these developments, Bhutan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally urged the US government to reconsider its stance.
The recent classification of Bhutan in the Red List by the US government signals a significant shift in travel policy, primarily driven by concerns over visa violations and illegal immigration. This decision poses challenges for Bhutanese nationals, especially students and professionals, while also risking the historically amicable relations between the two countries. Bhutan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively seeking a reassessment of this decision from the US administration.
Original Source: www.india.com
