The United States has announced a temporary suspension of visas for Burundian passport holders, citing persistently high rates of overstaying visas despite repeated warnings.
In a statement released Monday on social media, the U.S. Embassy in Burundi said all categories of U.S. visas for Burundians have been temporarily halted. The mission urged Burundian citizens to comply with immigration rules, adding that individual violations have now resulted in nationwide consequences.
“Every Burundian who travels carries the hopes of their family and community. Respecting visa rules isn’t just personal, it is national. Sadly, due to repeated violations, U.S. visas for Burundians are temporarily banned,” the embassy wrote in a post on Facebook.
The decision escalates earlier restrictions that affected both immigrants and non-immigrants holding B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2 (tourist and business), F and M (student), and J (exchange visitor) visas.
According to data from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, in fiscal year 2023, Burundians on tourist and business visas had an overstay rate of 15.35 percent, while students and exchange visitors recorded a higher rate of 17.52 percent.
The Burundian government described the move as a “difficult moment for many families.” Nearly two months after Washington’s partial restrictions were imposed, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said it was working to resolve the issue through diplomatic engagement.
“The U.S. decision to temporarily suspend visa services for Burundian nationals is being taken seriously,” the ministry said in a statement on X. “We are actively engaging in sincere dialogue to address the issue and urge all citizens to respect immigration laws abroad — our collective behavior shapes the opportunities of tomorrow.”
Online Comments Highlight Burundians’ Frustration Over Visa Suspension
Junior Rwama, a Facebook user, has expressed frustration over what he described as “collective punishment.”
“To ensure this decision makes sense, it should be based on issues that specifically implicate Burundi as a country, not the actions of isolated individuals. Just as visas are granted on an individual basis, those who violate immigration laws should be dealt with individually — including removal if necessary — rather than punishing an entire nation,” he wrote in the comments section of the U.S. Embassy’s Facebook page.
Another user, Constantin Ndayiragije, called the decision “deeply unfortunate, particularly for those who follow the rules and genuinely seek opportunities abroad.”
In a broader effort to curb overstays, the U.S. State Department is considering requiring applicants from countries with high overstay rates to post refundable bonds of $5,000 to $15,000 when applying for business or tourist visas.
According to the Associated Press, this 12-month pilot program would apply to nationals from countries deemed to have inadequate internal document security or lax screening systems.
“One person’s actions can close doors for an entire nation,” the U.S. Embassy warned. “Together, we must protect future opportunities for all.”
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