For Salone to be removed from Visa restrictions list U.S. Ambassador Pushes For Repatriation of overstayed S/Leonean Nationals
While reiterating the United States Government’s position on the Visa restrictions on SierraLeone, the U.S Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryant David Hunt, stated that the decision comes from a proclamation order made by President Donald Trump. He made this disclosure during a interview aired on AYV TV.
According to him, the sole reason for the restrictions revolves around the overstay rate of Sierra Leonean nationals especially those with non-immigrant visas.
He continued by stating that the U.S Government has done alot by putting several strategies in place to bring down the overstay rate of SierraLeonean nationals in the United States, yet, this issue remains unresolved, as the overstay rate persistently increasing.
“The primary motive of President Donald Trump decision is to ensure immigrants who want to travel to the U.S are properly vetted. At this time, he did not feel he could appropriately vet all the immigrants who wanted to enter the U.S; so he imposed restrictions and prioritized those who have families in the U.S over those who do not”., he added.
The Ambassador further explained that this visa restrictions slammed on SierraLeone is expected to last for 90 days and is subjected to review either for increasing in days and/or removal from the list if SierraLeone addresses the concerns raised and/or fails to take the necessary action.
He further proffered mitigating steps for SierraLeone to be removed from the visa restrictions, urging the Government to prepare a valid document to expedite the safe return of overstayed SierraLeonean nationals in the United States.
On Monday 9th June, 2025, the United States issued out a public notice in its official Facebook page, stating that: “in accordance with the Presidential proclamation, the US Embassy has suspended issuance of tourist, business, student, exchange visitor nonimmigrant visas(categories B, F, M and J) To nationals of SierraLeone and can only issue immigrant visas for immediate family members of U.S. Citizens(IR-1/CR-1,IR-2,/CR-2,IR-5) or adoption(IR-3,IR-4,IH-3,IH-4) to nationals of SierraLeone. This proclamation does not revoke existing visas. If you already have a valid visa and use it lawfully, you may still travel to the United States and apply for entry at immigration.
The United States Embassy in Freetown Encourages all travelers to use their visa as intended and to avoid possible penalties and deportation for overstay.
