Zambia, Malawi concerned by 'financial strain' of US visa bond
Starting August 20, US President Donald Trump's administration will require applicants from countries with high rates of visa overstays — including Zambia and neighbouring Malawi — to post a bond of $5,000 (R88,656), $10,000 (R177,312) or $15,000 under a pilot programme for some tourist and business visas.
"While the [US] government has a prerogative to initiate policy changes, the Zambian government views this development with serious concern, given its potential economic implications on trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people exchanges," Zambian foreign minister Mulambo Haimbe said in a statement.
"This includes the unnecessary financial strain on Zambian nationals."
The move comes as Trump cracks down on illegal immigration, boosting resources to secure the border with Mexico and arresting people in the US illegally.
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