The United States has announced the suspension of routine visa services at its embassy in Zimbabwe, effective immediately. The decision, confirmed Thursday, halts most visa processing for Zimbabwean applicants, except for those traveling on diplomatic or official business.
According to the U.S. State Department, the freeze applies to both immigrant and non-immigrant visas, including tourist (B1/B2), business, student, and exchange visitor categories. However, Zimbabweans holding valid visas remain unaffected and may still enter the U.S. as usual.
A senior U.S. official attributed the move to concerns over high rates of visa overstays by Zimbabwean nationals, particularly under the B1/B2 visa class. Recent U.S. government data indicates that over 10.5% of Zimbabwean travelers on those visas overstayed their permitted time in 2023—translating to more than 700 individuals.
Though specific figures were not provided, the official also noted violations linked to student visas as a contributing issue.
The suspension also follows tensions between Washington and Harare over asylum policies. The U.S. reportedly urged Zimbabwe to sign a “safe third country” agreement, which would allow asylum seekers to be returned to Zimbabwe if they passed through the country en route to the U.S. Zimbabwe declined to sign.
Only a handful of African nations—Eswatini, Rwanda, and South Sudan—have agreed to such deals so far.
The visa freeze in Zimbabwe is part of a wider American effort to tighten immigration controls and reduce visa misuse. In June, the U.S. reinstated travel restrictions on 19 countries over concerns such as inadequate passport security and rising overstay numbers. Zimbabwe was reportedly among the countries given 60 days to address these concerns or face consequences.
Additionally, the U.S. has rolled out a controversial visa bond program for Malawi and Zambia, requiring some applicants to pay up to US$15,000 to ensure they return home—a measure linked to similar overstay rates. That policy is scheduled to take effect later this month.
While Zimbabweans with existing visas or permanent residency in the U.S. are not impacted, new applicants must delay plans for travel, study, or family visits until further notice. The U.S. Embassy in Harare stated it is awaiting additional guidance from Washington regarding when services might resume.
The move is expected to significantly disrupt travel and educational plans for many Zimbabweans, as well as affect families with relatives abroad.
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