Visa revocation deepens USA‑South Sudan diplomatic rift
All visas for South Sudanese passport holders have been revoked by the USA. This decision comes as a result of the South Sudanese authorities' refusal to accept deported citizens.
What do you need to know?
- Why did the USA revoke the visas? The decision to revoke visas for South Sudanese citizens arises from their country's refusal to accept its deported citizens.
- When did the decision take effect? U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the decision takes effect immediately.
- What are the USA's next steps? The U.S. government is willing to review the decision if South Sudan demonstrates full cooperation.
What are the consequences for South Sudan?
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that all visas issued to South Sudanese passport holders have been revoked. This decision is a response to South Sudan's refusal to accept its deported citizens. Rubio emphasised that South Sudan is not upholding the principle that every country must accept the return of its citizens when another country wants to deport them.
Will the USA change its decision?
A statement released by the U.S. Department of State highlighted that the revocation of visas aims to prevent South Sudanese passport holders from entering the United States. Rubio noted that the U.S. government is prepared to review this decision if South Sudan shows full cooperation. "It is time for the Transitional Government of South Sudan to stop taking advantage of the United States," he added.
The U.S. decision was announced at a time when South Sudan is at risk of a renewed outbreak of civil war. The Trump administration is taking aggressive actions on immigration, including deporting individuals residing in the U.S. illegally. This is the first instance of such actions being taken against all citizens of a particular country.
