The US is cracking down on many foreigners visiting the country, few more so than those from Malawi and Zambia. The reason given was that too many visitors from those countries overstay their visa limits.
Malawians and Zambians applying for US business or tourist visas need to pay a refundable bond under a new 12-month pilot programme that started in August. The bond amount is set by US consular officers based on the applicant’s risk profile and financial situation and can be $5,000, $10,000, or up to $15,000. The bond is refundable if the traveller complies with all visa terms and leaves the US on time.
A US state department spokesperson said Malawians and Zambians overstayed their legal residence in the country at “very high rates”, according to the latest statistics published by the department of homeland security.
The statistics published on the homeland security website indicate that in 2023 about 14% of Malawian tourists overstayed their visas and 11% of Zambian visitors. Homeland security says in 2023 565,155 arrivals in the US were overstays, which was 1.45% of total arrivals. In 2023, 1,655 Malawians came to the US to do business or just visit, and 237 overstayed their visas. In that year, 3,493 Zambians entered the US and 388 overstayed.
The state department says it is constantly reviewing screening and vetting processes globally to uphold US national security and safety standards. “The pilot programme discusses the issues of the national security and immigration compliance and does not limit lawful travel to the US. Enforcement of the US immigration laws and protection of national security not only saves taxpayer money but also promotes the economy and enhances the safety of the population,” says a state department official.
US President Donald Trump has taken a tough stance on immigration since assuming office again in January. On the first day, he signed an executive order known as Protecting the American People Against Invasion, which condemned what he termed as an unheard-of invasion by illegal immigrants. He has also ordered National Guard troops to some US cities to support immigration & customs enforcement officers.
South African political and security risk analyst Aaliyah Vayez says: “In places such as Zambia and Malawi, the average household income is very low, and even the lowest [US] bond prices are heavy. To a large number of people it practically obstructs legal flying to the US and favours only the comparatively wealthy.”
In August Zambia’s foreign minister Mulambo Haimbe told the BBC that the Zambian government is engaging its counterparts in the US to have a comprehensive understanding of the implications and what can or cannot be done to solve the issues.
Vayez says the bond puts an “unwarranted financial burden” on visitors to the US.
“Visa bans and freezes are typically interpreted as punishment, discrimination or signs of prejudice,” she says. “The bond policy can be disproportionately large to smaller African countries.
In Zimbabwe, the US embassy in Harare has paused all routine immigrant and non-immigrant visa services, except most diplomatic and official visas, while addressing concerns with the government. A state department official says: “This is not a ban on travel to the US. The pause does not affect any valid visas. Applicants with urgent needs should apply in Joburg, the designated processing post.”
The official says: “The move is a necessary administrative measure, stressing that the US remains committed to maintaining strong diplomatic relations with Zimbabwe. Visa decisions will continue to prioritise upholding the highest standards for US national security and public safety.”
The pilot programme remains under close observation, with governments and civil society groups in Southern Africa calling for dialogue with the US to ensure travel remains accessible and fair.
Levy Ndou, a political analyst and lecturer at Tshwane University of Technology, says: “There are many dynamics at play here, particularly around migration and the economic challenges citizens face in the region. This calls for an integrated regional approach rather than creating unnecessary burdens for people moving across borders. While some countries are relaxing visa requirements, others are tightening them, which raises concern. Ideally, the US should engage in dialogue, but the current administration appears to have already taken a hard stance and is not open to negotiation.”
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