Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia is among 41 countries listed in a proposed U.S. travel restriction policy under consideration by the Trump administration, according to a memo seen by Reuters. The restrictions, which are yet to be approved, could result in a partial suspension of visa issuance for Gambian citizens if the country fails to address certain “deficiencies” identified by U.S. authorities.

A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the list remains subject to changes and has not yet received final approval from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

The memo divides the affected nations into three categories: full visa suspension, partial visa suspension affecting specific visa types, and countries recommended for a partial suspension unless corrective measures are taken.

The Gambia falls into the third category, alongside other African nations such as Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, and Sierra Leone.

While the memo does not specify the exact deficiencies attributed to The Gambia, past tensions between the two nations over deportation issues could be a factor. In 2016, the U.S. imposed visa sanctions on Gambian officials under former President Yahya Jammeh’s administration due to the country’s refusal to accept deported Gambians.

Although relations improved under President Adama Barrow, similar concerns about cooperation on immigration enforcement may have placed The Gambia on the list once again.

The move raises concerns about the potential economic and social impact on Gambians who seek to travel to the United States for education, tourism, and business. It could also strain diplomatic relations between the two nations, especially as The Gambia continues to rebuild its global partnerships after decades of isolation under Jammeh.

If implemented, the proposed restrictions could significantly hinder opportunities for Gambians seeking U.S. visas. The Gambian government is expected to respond to the development, with analysts predicting efforts to negotiate and address the concerns raised by U.S. authorities in order to avoid the suspension.