The prime minister urged Bhutanese nationals overstaying their visas in the United States to return home. While presenting the State of the Nation Report today, he said Bhutan has been warned that Bhutanese may face difficulties obtaining U.S. visas in the future. He added that overstayers not only risk their safety but also damage the country’s international reputation, which has been built over decades.
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay urged Bhutanese citizens violating visa rules to leave the U.S. voluntarily, as soon as possible. He warned that those who stay illegally risk serious consequences, including arrest and deportation.
“Just as Bhutan upholds strict immigration laws to safeguard its security and sovereignty, the United States enforces its laws for the same reasons. When U.S. authorities take legal action against those staying illegally, including detention and deportation, there may be very little the government can do to assist. Moreover, warnings have been issued about the consequences of not securing a valid visa. Therefore, I urge all those in the U.S. who are overstaying their visas to return home.”
He said the government will offer full support to anyone who chooses to return home on their own. In recent months, the U.S. government has taken a tougher stance on immigration and border protection.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, along with Bhutan’s Consulate General in New York, urged undocumented Bhutanese nationals residing or travelling to the U.S. to be fully aware of and comply with American immigration laws.
They stressed that overstaying a visa or breaking any immigration law can lead to severe consequences.
According to news reports, there are around 1,500 registered Bhutanese living in America currently. However, estimates of total Bhutanese in the U.S. suggest much higher numbers, between 4,000 and 5,000.
Sonam Yuden & Samten Dokar
Edited Sangay Chezom
