“Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy under section 212(a)(3)C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act for undermining the democratic process in the June 2023 Sierra Leone election,” Mr Blinken said in a statement on Thursday. Also, those involved in the intimidation of voters, electoral observers and abuse of human rights through threats or violence may find themselves unqualified for U.S. visas, likewise their family members under the visa restriction policy. “Under this policy, the United States will pursue visa restrictions for those believed to be responsible for, or complicit in undermining democracy in Sierra Leone, including through the manipulation or rigging of the electoral process. Persons who undermine the democratic process in Sierra Leone—including in the lead-up to, during, and following Sierra Leone’s 2023 elections—may be found ineligible for U.S. visas under this policy. “The visa restriction policy announced today will apply to specific individuals and is not directed at the Sierra Leonean people.

Source: GNN Liberia September 01, 2023 14:53 UTC