Cambodia anticipates favorable treatment in response to potential US visa restrictions due to its cooperation on deportations. The US administration plans to classify countries into Red, Orange, and Yellow categories, with Cambodia in the least restrictive Yellow category. Cambodia is urged to address US concerns regarding deportations within 60 days to avoid stricter regulations. The government remains confident in ongoing diplomatic relations.
Cambodia is expressing optimism regarding its potential treatment in light of forthcoming US visa restrictions. A spokesperson from the Cambodian Foreign Affairs Ministry indicated that the nation has fully cooperated regarding deportations, which may contribute to a favorable consideration in the new visa application process undertaken by the United States under the Trump administration. Recent reports suggest that the administration plans to impose new travel bans on 43 countries, organized into three classifications: Red, Orange, and Yellow.
Cambodia finds itself among the 21 nations classified in the Yellow category, which is designated as the least restrictive. In contrast, the Red category will see 11 nations facing outright entry bans, including Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, and North Korea. The Orange category consists of countries, including Belarus and Myanmar, that will experience severe visa restrictions.
Countries in the Yellow category must respond to the concerns raised by the US administration within 60 days or risk being moved to a higher, more restrictive category. Although specific concerns have not been disclosed, they are believed to pertain to the deportation of Cambodian citizens with legal issues in the United States.
Chum Sounry, the spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry, noted that Cambodia has yet to receive official notification regarding these regulations and is actively seeking information through diplomatic channels. He emphasized Cambodia’s ongoing cooperation with US authorities to facilitate the repatriation of citizens under removal orders.
In his statement, Sounry highlighted that various Cambodian governmental entities are actively involved in this cooperative effort, conducting interviews and expeditiously issuing travel documents to prevent delays. He expressed confidence that Cambodia’s demonstrated cooperation and positive bilateral relations with the United States will be favourably regarded by US authorities. Current data on the number of Cambodians awaiting deportation remains unavailable, but records from November 2024 noted that this figure totaled 1,747, per US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In summary, Cambodia is hopeful for a constructive response from the US regarding potential visa restrictions, emphasizing its commitment to cooperation on deportations. Positioned in the Yellow category, Cambodia must address any US concerns to avoid stricter classifications. With ongoing diplomatic efforts and a positive trajectory in relations, Cambodia remains optimistic about its treatment from the US administration. The situation underscores the importance of bilateral cooperation and the challenges faced by nations regarding human mobility and deportation classifications.
Original Source: www.nationthailand.com
