ZAMBIA FACE’S TRAVEL BAN

Öas Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe assures the nation that there is no fall-out between the US and Zambia, assures that the threat gives both countries an opportunity to strengthen their long bilateral ties

By NATION REPORTER
ZAMBIA risks being added to the United States travel ban list unless key issues related to immigration enforcement, passport integrity, and international cooperation are swiftly resolved, Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Minister Mulambo Haimbe has disclosed.
Addressing Parliament yesterday, Mr. Haimbe said the Government had received formal diplomatic communication from the U.S. indicating that Zambia is under review for potential travel restrictions if concerns that have been raised are not addressed within a specified period.
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“We have received official correspondence from the Government of the United States indicating the consideration of imposing travel restrictions on Zambia,” Mr. Haimbe told the House.
“The concerns raised include the security and integrity of our passport systems, enforcement of removal orders for Zambian nationals living irregularly in the U.S., and deficiencies in information sharing between our governments.”
He warned that the implications of such restrictions would be far-reaching and could negatively affect Zambia’s image globally.
“If Zambia is placed on the travel ban list, we risk having our legitimate travelers who include students, businesspeople, athletes, and government officials face increased visa scrutiny or outright denial,” he said. “This could send the wrong signal to investors and partners, suggesting Zambia is failing to meet international compliance obligations.”
Mr. Haimbe explained that a travel ban could create complications for Zambians already residing in the United States, especially those with irregular immigration status.
“Such individuals may face legal uncertainties, potential deportation, or barriers to regularizing their status,” he said.
The travel ban threat, he said, also risks interrupting bilateral technical and development cooperation that depends on free movement of personnel between the two countries.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Mr. Haimbe emphasised that the Government had moved quickly and decisively to respond.
“We are taking this matter very seriously,” he said. “We have initiated a comprehensive review of our passport security measures, and we are enhancing our systems to align with international best practices.”
He noted that Zambia is working closely with the U.S. through diplomatic channels.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, together with our embassy in Washington, D.C., has engaged the U.S. State Department and the Department of Homeland Security. Our goal is to ensure Zambia is removed from the review list within the 60-day window that has been provided,” Mr Haimbe said.
Mr. Haimbe also updated the House on a recent high-level meeting with U.S. Embassy officials held on June 24. “The discussions were candid and constructive,” he said. “We agreed on a framework for monthly consultative meetings to ensure sustained dialogue and cooperation.”
He revealed that the U.S. had committed to sharing data on Zambian nationals who had overstayed their visas, which would help local authorities take informed corrective measures.
Additionally, Zambia is prioritising responses to U.S. extradition requests and will be fast-tracking pending cases in line with international law.
“In a positive development, the U.S. has offered to assist Zambia with technical support aimed at digitising and securing our passports and national registration cards,” he said.
Mr. Haimbe was quick to clarify that the situation should not be misinterpreted as a diplomatic fallout.
“This development does not signify a rupture in Zambia–U.S. relations,” he said. “Rather, it is an opportunity for us to strengthen our institutions, improve civil registration, and reaffirm our commitment to global cooperation.”
He assured Parliament that the government would continue engaging all relevant stakeholders transparently.
“We are making progress, and we are confident that through our coordinated and proactive approach, we will address the concerns and safeguard Zambia’s international standing,” he said.