New U.S. Visa Bond Requirement Targets Malawi and Zambia Amid High Overstay Concerns
The United States government has introduced a controversial visa requirement targeting African nations, Malawi and Zambia. Under a newly launched 12-month pilot program, citizens from both countries seeking a B-1 (business) or B-2 (tourist) visa must now provide a refundable bond of $15,000 as a condition for entry into the U.S.
This move by the U.S. State Department is part of an aggressive push to reduce visa overstays and tighten national security protocols. According to the State Department’s announcement, the initiative specifically applies to “nationals of countries identified as having high visa overstay rates or where screening and vetting information is considered deficient.”... Read complete content click link below
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The decision has sparked diplomatic discussions, with Zambian Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe confirming that his government is engaging U.S. authorities for clarity and to explore diplomatic solutions.
According to 2023 data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, approximately 14% of Malawian visitors and 11% of Zambian visitors overstayed their visas. Other countries listed with high overstay rates include Haiti (31%), Myanmar (27%), and Yemen (20%).
Under this pilot program, U.S. consular officers will evaluate visa applicants individually and determine whether to enforce the $15,000 bond. The bond will be refunded at the end of the visitor’s stay, provided the individual departs the U.S. within the permitted time frame.
Experts say this policy stems from broader immigration measures that gained momentum under President Donald Trump’s administration. In fact, Trump signed a fresh executive order on the first day of his second term, reinforcing visa and immigration restrictions. His administration has previously rolled back humanitarian visa programs and implemented travel bans affecting citizens of at least 19 countries.
Notably, immigration attorneys have reported cases of visa revocations for reasons ranging from minor criminal records to civil infractions like traffic violations. Additionally, international students from affected regions have faced visa cancellations and detentions without prior notice.
The U.S. State Department stated that the bond policy also covers individuals from countries offering Citizenship by Investment programs without residency requirements. The underlying rationale is that these scenarios increase the risk of undocumented immigration or national security issues.
This new requirement has already triggered concerns among immigration advocates and African diplomats, who argue that it unfairly penalizes travelers and could strain bilateral relations.
With rising interest in U.S. travel, the implications of this pilot program are likely to spark further debate across immigration policy circles and international communities.
