US Travel Ban on Bhutan: A Surprising Inclusion Amid Stricter Regulations

The Trump administration has introduced a travel ban list of 43 countries, including Bhutan, surprising many due to its reputation for happiness. Mainly driven by high visa violation rates among Bhutanese and increased illegal immigration, this decision imposes rigorous visa scrutiny, potentially impacting citizens already residing in the US and straining diplomatic relations.

The Trump administration has initiated stricter travel regulations, presenting a list of 43 countries whose citizens may face bans upon entry to the United States, categorized into Red, Orange, and Yellow lists. The Red List comprises nations experiencing significant conflict or where US diplomatic relations are strained, including Afghanistan and North Korea. Surprisingly, Bhutan, often regarded as one of the happiest nations, has also been placed on this Red List.

A primary reason for Bhutan’s inclusion is the notable number of its citizens breaching US visa regulations, particularly through overstaying their allowed duration. This situation poses potential national security issues. Additionally, there has been an increase in illegal entry of Bhutanese individuals into the US, which has heightened concerns for immigration authorities.

The US Department of Homeland Security reports that 37% of Bhutanese visitors violated visa terms in the previous year. Following Bhutan’s placement on the Red List, citizens will face more stringent scrutiny before receiving a visa, and many applications could be denied without explanation.

This newly enforced regulation not only complicates the visa acquisition process for potential Bhutanese travelers but also affects those already residing in the US, subjecting them to heightened examination. This decision poses challenges for Bhutanese professionals and students who regularly visit the US for study and work.

The implications of this travel ban could potentially strain generally positive diplomatic relations between the US and Bhutan. In response to the travel ban, Bhutan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally urged the US government to reconsider its decision. In contrast to other nations on the Red List that suffer from unrest and terrorism, Bhutan’s situation raises questions about the rationale behind its inclusion in such a restrictive category.

The decision to place Bhutan on the US travel ban list reflects significant security concerns related to visa violations. While the US aims to enforce stricter immigration controls, this move could adversely affect Bhutanese citizens and strain diplomatic ties. Bhutan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is seeking reconsideration of this policy, emphasizing a need to evaluate the unique context of its citizens’ travel patterns.

Original Source: www.india.com