US tightens immigration rules, ministry monitors changes

Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Viliame Gavoka has acknowledged “some concerns” following the United States’ decision to tighten its immigration rules.

The comments come after the US State Department suspended the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries, including Fiji, under new measures targeting applicants deemed likely to require public assistance while living in the United States.

While non-immigrant visas such as B1 (business) and B2 (tourism) are not affected, from January 21 Fijians who qualify for a US business or tourist visa will be required to pay a bond of US$5,000, US$10,000 or US$15,000 before the visa is issued.

When asked whether the move could affect the business strategy of Fiji’s national airline, Mr Gavoka said discussions were ongoing and more clarity was needed.

“There is some concern, but clarity is not there right now,” he said.

“We are engaging with our American counterparts so we can have clarity on this. Fijians with current B1 and B2 visas are not affected.”

Mr Gavoka said Fiji Airways continued to explore opportunities to expand its routes in the future.

Fiji Airways currently operates direct, non-stop flights between Fiji and the United States, including services to Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Dallas–Fort Worth.

Under the new measures, US embassy and consulate officials have been directed to comprehensively vet visa applicants to ensure they will not rely on public benefits after being admitted to the United States.

Foreign nationals travelling to the US must obtain either a non-immigrant visa for temporary stays or an immigrant visa for permanent residence.

Visitor visas are non-immigrant visas issued for temporary travel for business (B1), tourism (B2), or a combination of both.