Pakistan wants clarifications from U.S. State Department on possible travel restrictions

Pakistan has asked the U.S. State Department, according to reports in national media, for clarifications regarding possible travel restrictions.

Reuters reported this week that Pakistanis may face a travel ban to the U.S. The New York Times published a report indicating that Pakistanis would not be banned from entering the United States, but their visa applications might be scrutinized more closely.

Rizwan S. Sheikh, Pakistan’s ambassador to America, said: “We’re in contact with State Department. But no official information has yet been shared.”

The New York Times announced earlier this month that Pakistan was likely to be placed under the ‘Orange category’ which would limit certain visa types. Only wealthy individuals would be eligible for business visas under this classification. Tourist and immigrant visas might be restricted. The visa duration could be reduced and applicants required to attend an in-person interview.

When asked whether Pakistan might be included in this group, Ambassador Sheikh stated that these reports were based on media speculations and that there had not been any official confirmation.

In the last week, there were rumors regarding new travel regulations. Major U.S. and British papers reported that a proposed draft would advocate for a ‘Red List’ of countries, whose citizens may be banned from entering America. These include Cuba, Iran Libya, North Korea Somalia Sudan Syria Venezuela and Yemen. Afghanistan was temporarily listed in the proposal, but it is not clear whether Pakistan appears on this list.

The U.S. government has reportedly told some Pakistani university students not to return home to Pakistan. Their educational institutions don’t know whether they will be allowed back into the U.S.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations warned Pakistanis recently, along with citizens from nearly a dozen different nationalities, not to travel outside of the U.S., until an announcement about new restrictions on travel is made.

Reports suggest that the Bureau of Consular Affairs of U.S. State Department has finalized the initial draft of this restriction, taking into account recommendations made by security experts at various agencies and departments of Intelligence. U.S. Embassy in the United States and regional bureaus at the State Department are expected to contribute further information.

State Department spokeswoman confirmed that the review of visa policies is currently underway. She said new measures are likely to be in place within the next couple weeks. These efforts are aligned with ongoing initiatives aimed to improve border security and address illegal immigration.

The spokesperson stated that in light of Executive Order 14161, signed by President Trump the Department of State conducts a comprehensive assessment of visa programs to ensure they are aligned with the priorities of the Administration.

The spokesperson also assured that the process of deciding on visas ensures that those entering the U.S. don’t pose a security threat. All visa applicants must undergo a thorough screening using classified and unedited data from the various U.S. agencies to confirm their identity and assess any security risks.

In the meantime, Pakistani students and travellers are still uncertain about their future travel to and from United States.

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