The Malawi Government has challenged planned United States visa restrictions, warning that the tougher rules could slam the door on Malawians seeking education, medical care and business opportunities in America.
Speaking during celebrations marking 250 years of US independence, Foreign Affairs Minister George Chaponda said the restrictions risk disrupting long-standing people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Chaponda noted that students, professionals, entrepreneurs and patients requiring specialised healthcare could face significant challenges if access to US visas becomes more limited.
The minister also raised concerns over reports suggesting that the United States is considering reducing some diplomatic operations in several countries, including Malawi.
Questions remain over whether the US Embassy in Lilongwe will continue processing visa applications following reports that Washington plans to reduce visa-processing centres across sub-Saharan Africa.
In response to inquiries, the US Embassy said the Department of State regularly reviews its overseas operations to ensure they align with American priorities and has not announced any immediate changes affecting Malawi.
Reports indicate that, if implemented, the new arrangements would require applicants from affected countries to travel to designated regional centres in countries such as Tanzania, South Africa, Kenya and Rwanda to complete visa procedures.
The developments are linked to a broader US immigration policy that includes restrictions on some categories of visas for Malawian nationals, with regional processing hubs expected to handle applications from multiple countries should the reforms take effect.
