Over Visa Restrictions… Salone Assures of Continued Engagement with U.S. Government …Expresses Optimism for the Country to be removed from Visa Restrictions list in the Next 90 days
By Kelvin Jay
While affected Countries like Chad had taken retaliatory action over President Donald Trump Travel ban or visa restrictions on 12 African Nations, the Government of SierraLeone has taken a paradigm shift, expressing its commitment to continue engaging with the U.S. Government through diplomatic means.
Speaking to B.B.C recently, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, acknowledges the visa restrictions slammed on SierraLeone, stating how that decision is as a result of the overstay rate of SierraLeone citizens with visitor and Student Visas in the United States.
“The Government of SierraLeone acknowledges the overstay rate of our citizens in the United States and that we’re committed to continue our engagement with the U.S. authorities to see reason in addressing this issue”, the Minister said
As a law abiding country, SierraLeone Government respects the right of the U.S. Government to take action in line with the best interest of its immigration system, noting that the United States like any other country, has the same right to determine its immigration policy as to who enter their country or not.
While proffering solutions to addressing this visa overstay rate issue, the Minister expresses the Government’s willingness to work with the U.S. Government in putting additional measures in place to strengthen the visa interview process and also championing Disapora sensitization on barriers associated with visa overstay of Sierra Leone citizens in the United States .
“The Government of President Bio is willing to work with the U.S Government to address this issue and to strengthen the Visa Interview process by putting additional measures in place for SierraLeone to be removed from the Visa restrictions list during the review process expected to be within the next 90 days”, Minister Bah affirmed.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Timothy Kabba, also toed the line with Minister Bah about the Government’s position to continue their engagement with the U.S. Government using diplomatic approach. The Minister is expected to meet with the U.S Ambassador today 9th June,2025 to discuss the implications of the partial ban and discussing possible ways for the country to be removed from the Visa restrictions list in the next 90 days.
It could be recalled on Wednesday 4th June, 2025 that the United States President, Donald Trump, signed a proclamation, banning the citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States. This move was taken by the Trump administration to protect the United States against “foreign terrorists” and other security threats.
A document from White House named SierraLeone as part of the Travel ban Countries.
According to the document, SierraLeone had a B-1/B-2 visa overstay rate of 15.43 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 35.83 percent.
“Sierra Leone has historically failed to accept back its removable nationals. The entry into the United States of nationals of Sierra Leone as immigrants, and as non-immigrants on B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2, F, M, and J visas is hereby suspended”, the document reads, further instructing the Consular officers to reduce the validity for any other non-immigrant visa issued to nationals of Sierra Leone to the extent permitted by law.
However, the African Union Commission has made a passionate appeal, calling on the Trump administration to reconsider the Travel ban imposed on 12 African Countries as that could lead to several implications including disruption in Educational exchanges, Trade relations and diplomatic engagement.
The Trump Administration is yet to respond to the plea of the African Union.
In what could be seen as a retaliatory approach, the President of Chad, Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, announced the suspension of Visa issuance to United States Citizens. This announcement was made by the President on Thursday 5th June,2025, stating that: “I have instructed the Government to act in accordance with the principles of reciprocity and suspend the issuance of visas to US Citizens”.
The President highlighted the country’s limited resources compared to wealthier nations, saying “Chad has no planes to offer, no billions of dollars to give, but Chad has its dignity and pride”.
This statement underscores Chad’s sovereignty and its determination not to be passive in the face of policies it deems unjust.
