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Front News Georgia
The United States will make its visa bond programme permanent, allowing consular officers to require visa applicants from around 50 countries, including Georgia, to pay a security bond of up to $20,000 before receiving a US visa.
According to Reuters, the policy applies to B1 and B2 visas, which are issued for business and tourism travel.
Under the regulation, US consular officers will have the authority to require applicants, on a case-by-case basis, to pay a bond of up to $20,000 as a condition for visa issuance.
The final rule is set to take effect on Monday, upon its publication in the Federal Register.
The programme will cover citizens of around 50 countries, including 30 African nations, with Georgia also included on the list.
US authorities say the measure is intended to reduce the number of visitors who overstay their visas. However, immigration advocacy organisations argue that the policy could also discourage legitimate travellers seeking to visit the United States.
