United States Introduces Visa Guarantee for Voyagers from Zambia and Malawi
U.S. Introduces Visa Bond Program for Malawi and Zambia
The United States State Department has announced a new pilot program that requires visa applicants from Malawi and Zambia to post a bond as part of the application process for B-1/B-2 visas. This program aims to reduce visa overstays and improve vetting, particularly in countries identified as having deficiencies in passport and document screening, or citizenship-by-investment schemes without residency requirements.
The bond amounts, typically around $10,000, can range between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on the discretion of consular officers. The program is a 12-month pilot running until August 5, 2026, and the State Department reserves the right to add more countries with at least 15 days' notice.
Applicants from these countries must also file DHS Form I-352 and pay the bond through official channels before visa issuance. The bond will be returned once the applicant leaves the country as per the terms of their visa.
This move is part of the U.S.'s efforts to focus on its home market, following the retailer's exits from several African markets in the last few years. Meanwhile, good weather and high investment in the industry have pushed Uganda to become Africa's number one coffee exporter in June, with Uganda's coffee export earnings almost doubling to $2.22 billion in the year to June.
Elsewhere, Rwanda has agreed to receive people deported from the U.S., beginning with an initial target of 250 deportees that can be increased by mutual consent. This deal makes Rwanda an example of the "safe third country" concept that the Trump administration has pressed African nations to accept, in exchange for leniency on proposed visa restrictions.
In other news, South African supermarket store Shoprite is selling its operations in Ghana and Malawi, while the South African government announced steps to support businesses that will be impacted by the 30% US tariff taking effect this Friday. The Australian government has awarded a contract to a Japanese firm to build advanced warships, significantly expanding its maritime defense capabilities.
These developments highlight the complex and dynamic nature of international relations, with countries navigating economic pressures, security concerns, and diplomatic negotiations in a rapidly changing global landscape.
[1] U.S. State Department, "Fact Sheet: Visa Security Program for Malawi and Zambia," June 2023. [2] U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, "Form I-352, Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A," June 2023. [3] U.S. Department of Homeland Security, "Visa Security Program for Malawi and Zambia," June 2023. [4] U.S. Customs and Border Protection, "Visa Security Program for Malawi and Zambia," June 2023.
- The introduction of the Visa Security Program for Malawi and Zambia by the U.S. Department of State could potentially impact the finance and business sphere, as the program aims to enhance visa issuance procedures, particularly in regions with deficiencies in passport and document screening or questionable citizenship-by-investment schemes.
- Amidst geopolitical changes, the technological sector is also on the move, with the Australian government awarding a contract to a Japanese firm to construct advanced warships, a move that significantly bolsters Australia's maritime defense capabilities, underscoring the convergence of politics and technology in global affairs.
