By Kadijatu Bangura, D.S. Reporter
Foreign Minister Timothy Kabba has issued a statement regarding the nation’s status amidst ongoing US visa restrictions, especially in light of Ghana’s recent announcement that similar sanctions on its citizens have been lifted. This development was confirmed earlier this week by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and the US Embassy in Accra.
In an interview with Truth Media, Minister Kabba indicated that Sierra Leone is in active discussions with the United States aimed at lifting these restrictions. He noted that the US reviews the visa status of affected countries every ninety days, but this process does not guarantee the immediate removal of sanctions.
Kabba acknowledged the challenges faced by Sierra Leoneans in obtaining US visas, attributing the restrictions primarily to issues related to citizens overstaying their visas, particularly in the student and tourist categories. He clarified that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not facilitate individual visa applications, which are submitted independently by applicants.
The Minister also urged Sierra Leoneans residing illegally in the US to consider returning voluntarily, emphasizing that such actions could bolster the country’s case for lifting the restrictions. He revealed that a committee has been created to verify the nationality of Sierra Leoneans facing deportation, while the government collaborates with the US Department of State to establish repatriation procedures.
Additionally, Kabba mentioned that Sierra Leone is actively coordinating efforts with the US Ambassador in Freetown and engaging with other affected nations, including Togo and Equatorial Guinea, to enhance visa processes and reduce instances of overstays.
For further inquiries, please contact Daily Scope Newspaper at dailyscopemedia@gmail.com.
