The U.S. has placed Bhutan on its travel ban list, largely due to high visa violations, including overstays, posing national security concerns. This decision results in rigorous screening for Bhutanese citizens when applying for U.S. visas, affecting their travel and potentially straining diplomatic ties between the countries. Bhutan has formally requested the U.S. to review this decision, amid concerns for its nationals and unforeseen classification.
The United States government, under the administration of Donald Trump, has recently implemented stricter travel policies, issuing a list of 43 countries whose citizens may face travel bans. This list is categorized into Red, Orange, and Yellow lists, where the Red List denotes the most severe restrictions, prohibiting individuals from these nations from entering the U.S. Notably, Bhutan is included in this list, which is unexpected given its reputation as one of the happiest countries globally.
One significant reason for Bhutan’s placement on the Red List is the high incidence of visa violations among its nationals, specifically overstays. These violations pose national security concerns for the U.S. Furthermore, there has been a marked increase in the number of Bhutanese attempting to enter the U.S. via illegal means. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported that 37% of Bhutanese visitors were found to have violated visa regulations last year.
As Bhutan is now on the Red List, its citizens will face stringent screening processes when applying for U.S. visas, which may lead to many applications being denied without a clear explanation. Individuals already living in the U.S. will also be subjected to heightened scrutiny, creating significant obstacles, particularly for Bhutanese students and professionals seeking educational and work opportunities in the U.S.
This decision could have repercussions for diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Bhutan, which have historically been amicable. In light of these developments, Bhutan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally requested the U.S. to reconsider its stance. While the inclusion of countries like Afghanistan and Syria in the Red List is more readily understandable due to ongoing conflicts, Bhutan’s designation is unexpected and has raised concerns about the implications for its citizens.
In conclusion, the U.S. government’s decision to impose strict travel bans on Bhutan, alongside conflict-affected nations, stems primarily from concerns regarding visa violations and illegal entry. This move has implications for Bhutanese citizens, particularly students and professionals, potentially straining diplomatic relations. The Bhutanese government has sought reconsideration of this policy, highlighting the surprising nature of Bhutan’s classification among more tumultuous countries.
Original Source: www.india.com
