US to make visa bond programme permanent for citizens of 50 countries — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United States plans to make permanent a visa bond programme that could require applicants from 50 countries, mostly in Africa, to post bonds of up to $20,000 when applying for certain US visas, according to a federal notice. The programme applies to B1 and B2 non-immigrant visas, which cover business and tourism travel, Reuters reported. Under the final rule, consular officers may require eligible visa applicants to post a bond of up to $20,000 as a condition for visa issuance. “Consular officers may require covered nonimmigrant visa applicants to post a bond of up to $20,000 as a condition of visa issuance,” the notice said. The State Department said a 2025 pilot programme provided sufficient data to show that visa bonds could be an effective tool for encouraging compliance among visa holders and reducing overstays. Under the pilot programme, consular officers could require bonds of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000. The final rule removes the $5,000 option and increases the maximum bond to $20,000. The final rule is scheduled to take effect on August 3, when it is due to be published in the Federal Register. Of the 50 countries covered by the programme, 30 are in Africa. US officials say the policy is aimed at reducing visa overstays. Immigration advocates, however, argue that the requirement could discourage…