US visa shift: Botswana travellers to process applications in Joburg
The United States says its decision to move Botswana's visa processing services to Johannesburg is aimed at strengthening immigration controls and ensuring travellers comply with visa requirements.
From 1 August, routine non-immigrant and immigrant visa applications for Botswana nationals and residents will no longer be processed in Gaborone, but will instead be handled by the US Consulate General in Joburg.
The move has raised concerns in Botswana, with the government warning that the changes could make travel to the United States more difficult for Batswana.
Speaking to Gabz FM earlier this month, US Ambassador to Botswana Howard Van Vranken said the decision forms part of broader efforts by Washington to manage immigration challenges and ensure visitors follow the laws governing entry into the United States.
"The United States wants to rationalise how we treat people who are visitors to the United States. But we expect people to follow the law. When they don't, we're going to have natural reactions to this."
The Botswana government has raised concerns over what it describes as an increasingly stringent US visa regime, including the introduction of a visa bond programme in 2025.
It says it continues to engage Washington on the matter, while urging citizens to respect immigration laws when travelling abroad.
SOUTH AFRICA TO ENFORCE IMMIGRATION LAWS
The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) says it respects the United States' decision on where and how it processes visa applications.
Speaking to Jacaranda FM Newswatch, DIRCO spokesperson Chrispin Phiri said Pretoria does not dictate how other countries manage their visa systems and expects all foreign nationals entering South Africa to comply with local immigration laws.
"We would not dictate how the United States of America decides to process individuals who require visas for their country. We expect that individuals who come into our country enter through a lawful process and are well-documented. And we will enforce our laws."
The relocation of visa services means Botswana applicants will now have to travel to Johannesburg for appointments and other consular processes.
Phiri said there was no requirement for South Africa to consult the United States before making the decision, just as South Africa does not consult other countries when making changes to its own immigration policies.
"There wouldn't be a requirement. So we don't consult other countries when we make changes to our visa laws. We don't expect the same from other countries."
NO SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR BOTSWANA VISA APPLICATIONS
Phiri also said South Africa has no obligation to provide additional support or special facilitation for Botswana nationals travelling to Johannesburg for US visa appointments.
"There is no obligation to do so."
He stressed that anyone entering South Africa, regardless of nationality or purpose of travel, must follow the country’s immigration requirements.
US CONCERNS OVER ASYLUM CLAIMS
The US Ambassador also addressed concerns around an increase in asylum applications by Batswana citizens in the United States.
While saying he could not comment on individual cases, Van Vranken questioned whether Botswana citizens seeking asylum were fleeing conditions that would typically justify such claims.
He described Botswana as a stable democracy with strong institutions and respect for human rights.
"I've been a diplomat for 38 years. I've lived all over the world. I've lived in places where there are those kinds of oppressive activities that are imposed by the government on the citizens of their own countries. This isn't one of them. Botswana is a model for the rule of law."
Botswana's government has acknowledged that increasing asylum claims and violations of visa conditions have contributed to increased scrutiny of its citizens travelling to the United States.
US AND SOUTH AFRICA MAINTAIN DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT
Despite the visa dispute, both Washington and Pretoria say they remain committed to maintaining strong diplomatic relations.
Van Vranken said Botswana remains a key US partner, highlighting cooperation in healthcare, defence, education, investment and technology.
He said the United States has invested about $1.2 billion in Botswana's health sector over the past 25 years, particularly through programmes aimed at strengthening healthcare systems and fighting HIV.
"The United States has been a faithful partner, and we're going to continue to do that. Botswana has really done, really, it's almost a miraculous response to HIV."
Meanwhile, Phiri said South Africa remains committed to strengthening relations with the United States through continued engagement at various levels.
"We are very committed to strengthening our relations with the US, and we are in continuous engagement at various levels. And we will continue to pursue a mutually beneficial diplomatic relationship with the United States of America."
The new US visa processing arrangement takes effect on 1 August, with Botswana applicants required to complete applications online before attending appointments at the US Consulate General in Johannesburg.
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