Washington: United States President Donald Trump has signed a new travel ban targeting 12 countries, including Afghanistan, Iran, and Yemen. The ban, which will take effect on Monday, June 9, blocks citizens of these countries from entering the US.
The full list of countries under the new ban :
Afghanistan, Iran, Yemen, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Eritrea, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, and Haiti.
In addition to the full ban, the United States has placed partial travel restrictions on seven countries: Cuba, Venezuela, Laos, Burundi, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Turkmenistan.
People from these countries will still be allowed to apply for some types of visas, such as temporary work permits, but other visa categories will be limited.
According to the US government, the new restrictions are meant to protect national security. Officials said that some countries have weak screening systems, which could allow individuals with harmful intentions to enter the US. The White House also referred to a recent incident in Colorado, where a man—reportedly in the country illegally—carried out a violent attack during a protest.
However, human rights organisations have criticised the move. They say the policy unfairly targets Muslim-majority and African nations, and could separate families or hurt those who pose no threat. Critics also question whether the ban will truly help in preventing terrorism.
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This new order brings back a similar travel ban from 2017, which was introduced during Trump’s first term but later cancelled by President Joe Biden in 2021. Now, Trump has brought it back as part of his latest immigration policy.
Although Pakistan is not currently on the list, reports suggest the US is reviewing visa and travel procedures with several countries, including Pakistan. However, there is no official travel ban on Pakistan at this time.
The US has said exceptions will apply for permanent residents, existing visa holders, and for cases that are in the national interest.
