The U.S. travel ban affecting Bhutan is based on security concerns over visa violations, with 37% of Bhutanese failing to comply last year. This has resulted in enhanced scrutiny for visas, affecting Bhutanese students and professionals. Bhutan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs seeks reconsideration of the ban due to the impacts on diplomatic relations.
Since Donald Trump assumed office for a second term, the U.S. government has enacted increasingly stringent regulations, including a travel ban affecting 43 countries. This list categorizes nations into three groups: Red, Orange, and Yellow. Countries listed in the Red category will experience the most severe limitations, barring their citizens from entering the United States. Notable members of the Red List include conflict-affected nations such as Afghanistan, North Korea, and Syria, and surprisingly, Bhutan.
The U.S. government’s decision to include Bhutan is primarily attributed to a significant number of visa violations by its citizens. Many Bhutanese nationals have been overstaying their visas, which raises concerns about national security. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reported that 37% of Bhutanese visitors breached visa regulations last year, raising alarms about illegal entry into the country.
This travel ban will impose additional challenges for Bhutanese individuals seeking U.S. visas, as they will face rigorous vetting processes, and many applications could be denied without explanation. Furthermore, Bhutanese nationals currently residing in the U.S. will also be subjected to increased scrutiny. This situation poses substantial difficulties, especially for Bhutanese students and professionals pursuing education and work opportunities in the United States.
While the U.S.-Bhutan diplomatic relationship has historically been amicable, these new restrictions may affect that dynamic. In response to the travel ban, Bhutan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formally urged the U.S. government to reconsider its stance. The majority of countries on the Red List endure unrest or warfare, making their inclusion in the travel ban justifiable; however, Bhutan’s circumstances contrast sharply, leading to widespread surprise and concern.
The U.S. government’s decision to impose travel restrictions on Bhutan is rooted in security concerns related to visa violations. The strict measures affect Bhutanese nationals seeking entry into the U.S. and may disrupt the historically positive diplomatic relations between the two nations. Bhutan’s situation is particularly striking, as its peaceful reputation stands in contrast to other countries facing travel bans due to civil unrest or terrorism.
Original Source: www.india.com
