Will the new US visa bond rule impact Pakistan?

ISLAMABAD: The United States (US) remains a top destination for Pakistani tourists and business travellers. But a new visa bond rule, set to take effect from August 20, has sparked concern amongst tourists.

Under this 12-month pilot programme, US consular officers will be allowed to impose a visa bond of $5,000 to $15,000 for certain B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visa applicants. The measure is aimed at discouraging visa overstays, which continue to worry US immigration authorities.

The bond requirement, however, will not apply to all countries. It targets nationals from countries with high rates of visa overstays or weak passport security. Nations covered by the US Visa Waiver Programme including most of Western Europe, Japan, South Korea, and Australia, are exempt.

Reports suggest that the rule will impact travellers from countries such as Haiti, Iran, Sudan, Syria, and others that have previously been flagged by the US Department of Homeland Security for visa violations.

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In Pakistan’s case, officials believe the rule is unlikely to apply. Pakistan is not currently on the US visa overstay watchlist, and recent diplomatic engagement between Washington and Islamabad has remained stable.

Hence, Pakistani tourists and business travellers are not expected to be affected by the new bond policy,  at least for now.