SOUTH SUDAN: US Revokes All Visas For South Sudanese Passport Holders

By Deborah Akur Chol, South Sudan

The United States government on Saturday, announced the revocation of all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders, citing the failure of President Salva Kiir’s administration to accept the return of its repatriated citizens.

This move is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to strengthen immigration enforcement, which has included the repatriation of individuals deemed to be in the U.S. illegally.

The U.S. has warned that countries that do not promptly accept the return of their citizens may face significant repercussions, including visa restrictions and possible tariffs.

In a statement, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of countries adhering to the principle of repatriation.

“South Sudan has failed to respect the fundamental obligation that every nation must accept the return of its citizens when requested by another country, including the United States,” he said.

“Effective immediately, the United States Department of State is taking action to revoke all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders and will halt further issuances to prevent entry into the United States,” Rubio added. He also mentioned that the U.S. would reconsider these actions once South Sudan demonstrates full cooperation.

Rubio remarked that it is time for the transitional government in South Sudan to “stop taking advantage of the United States.”

As of now, there has been no response from South Sudan’s embassy in Washington or the authorities in the capital, Juba.

In related developments, African Union mediators have arrived in Juba this week to engage in discussions aimed at preventing a resurgence of civil war in the country. This comes in the wake of First Vice President Riek Machar’s detention under house arrest last week, following accusations from President Kiir that Machar, a longstanding rival and former rebel leader, is attempting to ignite a new conflict.

Machar’s house arrest followed weeks of violent clashes in the northern Upper Nile state between government forces and the White Army militia, a group that had allied with him during the civil war. Despite these accusations, Machar has denied any current links to the militia.