Pakistan and Thailand Seek Clarification from Washington After U.S. Pauses Immigrant Visa Processing
Islamabad and Bangkok request detailed explanations from the U.S. following announcement of an indefinite suspension of immigrant visas for citizens of multiple countries
Pakistan and Thailand have formally sought further details and clarification from the United States after Washington announced the indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing for citizens of seventy-five countries, a move that has generated concern in both capitals.
The policy, set to take effect on January 21, stems from a comprehensive review of U.S. immigration procedures and is intended to tighten eligibility criteria for long-term residence visas.
Pakistani and Thai officials are engaging directly with U.S. authorities to understand how the measures apply to their nationals and the practical implications for future visa issuance.
Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Islamabad was in contact with U.S. authorities to “ascertain further details” of the decision and described the announcement as part of an evolving internal review of visa processing procedures.
He stressed Pakistan’s expectation that routine processing of immigrant visas will resume once clarifications are provided.
On the same day, Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow raised similar concerns with the United States chargé d’affaires in Bangkok, urging Washington to provide clear information about the visa policy and emphasising that a broad approach without detailed explanation could send an unfavourable signal to bilateral relations.
Thailand’s foreign ministry said it would monitor developments closely while awaiting further official guidance from Washington.
The U.S. State Department confirmed that the suspension affects only immigrant visas — those that allow holders to seek permanent residence — and does not apply to non-immigrant visas such as tourist, business or student categories.
This distinction has been highlighted in communications between U.S. diplomats and Thai officials as officials seek to reassure citizens that short-term travel pathways remain largely unaffected.
Critics of the U.S. policy argue that the sweeping nature of the suspension, which spans countries across multiple regions, could disrupt long-standing migration and family reunification channels, while supporters of the review frame it as part of broader efforts to ensure national security and the integrity of immigration systems.
As Pakistan and Thailand await more granular explanations from Washington, both governments are positioning their diplomatic engagements to ensure their citizens’ interests are protected amid the unfolding changes in U.S. visa policy.
The policy, set to take effect on January 21, stems from a comprehensive review of U.S. immigration procedures and is intended to tighten eligibility criteria for long-term residence visas.
Pakistani and Thai officials are engaging directly with U.S. authorities to understand how the measures apply to their nationals and the practical implications for future visa issuance.
Pakistani Foreign Ministry spokesman Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Islamabad was in contact with U.S. authorities to “ascertain further details” of the decision and described the announcement as part of an evolving internal review of visa processing procedures.
He stressed Pakistan’s expectation that routine processing of immigrant visas will resume once clarifications are provided.
On the same day, Thailand’s Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow raised similar concerns with the United States chargé d’affaires in Bangkok, urging Washington to provide clear information about the visa policy and emphasising that a broad approach without detailed explanation could send an unfavourable signal to bilateral relations.
Thailand’s foreign ministry said it would monitor developments closely while awaiting further official guidance from Washington.
The U.S. State Department confirmed that the suspension affects only immigrant visas — those that allow holders to seek permanent residence — and does not apply to non-immigrant visas such as tourist, business or student categories.
This distinction has been highlighted in communications between U.S. diplomats and Thai officials as officials seek to reassure citizens that short-term travel pathways remain largely unaffected.
Critics of the U.S. policy argue that the sweeping nature of the suspension, which spans countries across multiple regions, could disrupt long-standing migration and family reunification channels, while supporters of the review frame it as part of broader efforts to ensure national security and the integrity of immigration systems.
As Pakistan and Thailand await more granular explanations from Washington, both governments are positioning their diplomatic engagements to ensure their citizens’ interests are protected amid the unfolding changes in U.S. visa policy.
