(May 14): The Trump administration is suspending a requirement for visitors from certain countries to post bonds of as much as US$15,000 (RM58,897.50) to obtain a visa, an effort aimed at easing the financial burden for foreign soccer fans attending the World Cup.
Fans who purchased World Cup tickets and participated in the Fifa Priority Appointment Scheduling System will be exempt from the bond if they can show they are fully eligible for a US visa, according to a State Department spokesperson. The priority programme is designed to provide ticket holders with easier access to visa interviews.
The administration imposed the bond on visitors from dozens of countries deemed to have high visa overstay rates, part of US President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. Five African nations subject to the programme have teams that qualified for the tournament.
Trump’s hardline immigration policies have sparked concerns that they could deter overseas fans from visiting the US to attend matches. The announcement comes a month before the tournament begins.
“The United States is excited to organise the biggest and best Fifa World Cup in history,” Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar said in a statement. “We remain committed to strengthening US national security priorities while facilitating legitimate travel for the upcoming World Cup tournament.”
World Cup players, coaches and certain staff members were previously exempt from the bond requirements as the administration looked to streamline visa processing. The Associated Press reported earlier on the decision to expand the exemptions.
See also: Allez, Roland-Garros!
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