Cambodia Anticipates Favorable Outcome Amid Possible US Visa Restrictions
Cambodia expresses optimism regarding potential US visa restrictions, based on its cooperation in repatriating citizens facing removal orders. President Trump’s administration is set to categorize 43 countries into three levels of restrictions, with Cambodia listed under the least severe yellow category. The foreign ministry remains proactive in addressing US concerns related to deportations.
Cambodia remains optimistic about a potential US visa ban, as expressed by a spokesperson from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, emphasizing the Kingdom’s thorough cooperation regarding Cambodian citizens facing US removal orders. The Trump administration is reportedly preparing to implement new travel restrictions affecting 43 countries, categorized into three levels: Red, Orange, and Yellow, indicating the severity of restrictions.
Cambodia is included in the yellow list, which denotes the least severe restrictions compared to the others. Those in the Red category face a total ban on entry into the US, such as citizens from Afghanistan and North Korea, while the Orange category will see heavy visa limitations placed on nations like Belarus and Pakistan.
The yellow list comprises countries that will be required to address the US administration’s unspecified concerns within 60 days, or risk shifting to the more severe categories. These concerns possibly relate to the deportation of Cambodian nationals with criminal convictions in the US.
Chum Sounry, spokesperson for Cambodia’s foreign ministry, noted that the ministry has not received formal notifications and is actively pursuing information through diplomatic channels. He stressed that Cambodia has committed to full cooperation in repatriating citizens subject to removal orders, facilitating the process through interviews and necessary travel documents.
The spokesperson also expressed optimism regarding the positive acknowledgment of Cambodia’s cooperation and the positive progression of bilateral relations. The current number of Cambodians awaiting deportation remains unspecified, but a figure of 1,747 was reported as of November 2024 by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In summary, Cambodia is pursuing positive outcomes in light of potential US visa restrictions through demonstrated cooperation with American authorities. The nation, identified on the least restrictive yellow list, remains dedicated to facilitating the repatriation process for its citizens. While awaiting further details surrounding the US administration’s concerns, Cambodia’s ministry expresses confidence in the ongoing collaboration and overall relations with the United States.
Original Source: vietnamnews.vn
