The United States has announced a temporary pause on most visa applications from Zimbabwe, citing concerns with the Zimbabwean government’s compliance with US immigration policies. The new restrictions, which are part of the Trump administration’s broader push for stricter immigration enforcement, will affect all routine visa services for citizens of Zimbabwe. Diplomatic and official visas, however, will be largely exempt from the new measure.
This pause is the latest in a series of new travel restrictions and immigration policies imposed on several African nations. The US has previously implemented travel bans on citizens from numerous countries and demanded that dozens of nations, most of which are in Africa, improve their vetting of travelers or face similar penalties.
In addition to the visa pause, a new pilot program will require citizens from Malawi and Zambia to pay a bond of up to $15,000 for tourist or business visas. This bond, which would be forfeited if a visitor overstays their visa, is set to begin later this month and targets countries with high visa overstay rates.
Sources:
The Washington Post: US broadens visa restrictions, targeting African countries
VOA News: Zimbabwean government expresses concern over US visa pause
