Dhaka to seek exemption from US visa bond: Touhid

Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain briefing reporters at the Foreign Ministry on Thursday

Bangladesh will pursue diplomatic efforts to seek exemption from the United States' newly imposed visa bond requirement, Foreign Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said on Thursday, describing the measure as unfortunate but not abnormal.

"It is certainly unfortunate and painful for us, but it is not abnormal," he told reporters at the Foreign Ministry in the afternoon.

The adviser said the decision taken by the US is not limited to Bangladesh alone, as a number of countries facing immigration-related challenges have also been brought under the measure.

He said Bangladesh's inclusion does not appear unusual, citing US concerns over immigration and misuse of social support systems.

The foreign adviser said this non-regular immigration problem is policy-related and had been continuing since long.

Highlighting the interim government's stance, he said from the very beginning it has opposed irregular migration, stressing that curbing such migration is the only sustainable solution.

He said reports of people dying or being rescued while crossing the Mediterranean continue to surface, describing them as victims deserving sympathy, while noting that laws are also being violated.

According to information published on the US Department of State travel website, nationals of 38 countries will be required to post a visa bond of up to US$15,000 when applying to enter the United States.

The US had initially included six countries in the visa bond list in August last year, later adding seven more. On Tuesday, another 25 countries, including Bangladesh were added.

The website said the bond requirement for the newly added countries, with a few exceptions, will come into effect from 21 January.