A draft list from the U.S. State Department outlines 43 countries affected by travel bans, categorized into three lists: red (total bans), orange (visa restrictions), and yellow (60 days to address concerns). Bhutan’s inclusion on the red list raises questions, while Iraq’s absence is notable. Pakistan and several other nations are listed with varying restrictions.
Recently, a draft list discussing potential travel bans under President Donald Trump has emerged from the U.S. State Department, revealing 43 countries categorized into three distinct groups. The classifications include a “red list” for total bans, an “orange list” for limited visa issuance, and a “yellow list” where countries have 60 days to resolve U.S. concerns.
The red list includes expected nations such as North Korea, Iran, Yemen, and Syria, but notably, it also includes Bhutan, a peaceful country. Reports suggest that Bhutan’s classification stems from a 2023 immigration fraud involving Nepalese citizens posing as Bhutanese refugees. Surprisingly, Iraq has been omitted from this red list.
Cuba and Venezuela are also present on the red list, while Pakistan appears on the orange list, indicating substantial visa restrictions. Notably, Russia and Belarus join Pakistan on this list. Despite tensions, Ukraine does not feature on either the red or orange lists.
The yellow list includes numerous countries, some of which may cause confusion, such as Caribbean nations like St. Lucia and Antigua and Barbuda. Additionally, Cambodia and Vanuatu, the latter linked to Indian politician Lalit Modi’s immigration ambitions, are also included. Notably, several African nations, totaling 16, have been placed on the yellow list as well, including Zimbabwe, Chad, and Eritrea.
The draft list presented by the U.S. State Department categorizes countries into red, orange, and yellow lists based on visa restrictions and bans due to security concerns. While some inclusions raise eyebrows, such as Bhutan’s unexpected ban, the overarching theme reflects ongoing geopolitical tensions and immigration policy shifts under the Trump administration.
Original Source: www.rediff.com
