The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade said the United States’ suspension of immigrant visa processing will have minimal impact on Bhutanese, as it applies only to immigrant visas such as those applying for employment or to meet family in the United States. The ministry added that most Bhutanese apply for non-immigrant visas, such as tourist, student, and business visas, which remain unaffected. The US State Department announced an immigrant visa suspension for 75 countries this week.
According to media reports, the US suspended immigrant visa processing to review and tighten its immigration rules.
The pause is meant to strengthen screening and ensure that applicants for permanent residency are able to support themselves and prevent the entry of foreign nationals who would take welfare and public benefits.
The foreign ministry said the visa suspension will not affect those who have already been issued immigrant visas, but the issuance of new immigrant visas will be suspended going forward.
On whether the government would seek exemptions or engage diplomatically with U.S. authorities, the ministry stated that it is the sovereign right of any country, including the US, to impose immigration-related restrictions.
In terms of support for affected Bhutanese citizens, the ministry stated that compliance with visa requirements remains the responsibility of individual applicants. All relevant information on visa procedures and eligibility is publicly available online, and applicants are advised to plan accordingly.
The US State Department has announced that the pause on immigrant visa processing will take effect from Wednesday.
Sangay Chozom
