U.S. denial rate of visitor visa for Sudan at its lowest level since 2006

November 12, 2010 (WASHINGTON) – The United States has refused far less visitors visa from Sudan than any other year since 2006, according to statistical data released by the bureau of consular affairs at the US Department of State.

The “B-Visa” is issued for those wanting to travel to the United States for business or pleasure. The applicant for such a visa must prove to consular official that he/she does not intend to stay in the US permanently and that he/she has sufficient funds to cover his expenses during the visit.

Visas for Sudanese nationals face additional scrutiny due to the country being designated as a state sponsor of terrorism. Furthermore, the U.S. embassy in Khartoum has started issuing non-immigrant visas locally last July. Prior to that Sudanese citizens had to apply for non-immigrant visas in Cairo.

In 2010 the US refused only 32.5% of the visa applications from Sudan compared to 62.2% the year before. The refusal rate for the years 2006-2008 ranged between 33.6% and 40.5%. The U.S. state department does not categorize visa rejections by reason.

The United States stepped up sanctions against in Sudan in 1997, accusing the government of human rights abuses and supporting terrorism, then tightening the restrictions still further in 2006 over the conflict in Sudan’s Darfur region.

This week the US offered to delist Sudan from its terrorism sponsoring list in return for holding a timely and credible referendum in the South slated for next January.

Furthermore, Sudan was also promised gradual lifting of economic sanctions and debt relief if the government works to improve conditions in the war ravaged region of Darfur.

(ST)