By Amara Kargbo
Foreign Minister Alhaji Timothy Musa Kabba has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to resolving the full suspension of U.S. visas through active diplomacy and cooperation. During a recent televised discussion, the Minister addressed the issue directly, outlining the circumstances of the ban and the steps being taken to restore travel access for Sierra Leoneans.
Minister Kabba explained that the expansion from a partial to a complete visa restriction was unforeseen and has had significant repercussions. The decision, he noted, stems from long-standing U.S. concerns regarding visa overstays and past complications in the repatriation process for certain citizens.
Minister underscored that, the government has implemented a series of good-faith measures to address these concerns. Besides, he mentioned that the government has consistently cooperated in accepting and repatriating documented citizens alongside U.S. authorities. Upon receiving a formal checklist from American officials, Sierra Leone promptly signed a key Memorandum of Understanding with the National Civil Registration Authority to improve data sharing. The administration has also waived all fees for Emergency Travel Certificates and extended their validity to facilitate smoother repatriation.
The Minister clarified an important distinction in the nature of the visas involved. He highlighted following the initial partial ban, the only visas issued by the U.S. Embassy were official ones, intended solely for government business. “This is not a matter of government-led act,” Kabba stated. “The government cannot be held responsible for the independent choices of private individuals who do not return as planned.”
The Minister conveyed the profound human impact of the suspension. He described receiving daily calls from distressed families whose plans and opportunities have been put on hold. He highlighted the critical contributions of the diaspora and expressed particular concern for students. “My greatest pain comes from thinking of the young scholars who have gained admissions and scholarships abroad,” Kabba shared. “The injustice of their situation is what gives me sleepless nights.” He added, “If it were within my personal authority to lift this ban today, I would do so immediately.”
As diplomatic efforts remain a top priority. Minister Kabba confirmed he has received a direct invitation to Washington for high-level talks with the U.S. State Department, marking a constructive pathway toward dialogue. He assured that His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio is personally overseeing the response and has directed the Foreign Ministry to exhaust every diplomatic channel to resolve this urgent issue.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Friday, 16th January 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
