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Foreign Minister Timothy Kabba has clarified Sierra Leone’s position on the ongoing US visa restrictions, following Ghana’s recent announcement that similar sanctions on its citizens had been lifted. Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and the US Embassy in Accra jointly confirmed the decision earlier this week.
Speaking to Truth Media, Minister Kabba said Sierra Leone remains in discussions with the United States and is working toward the eventual lifting of the restrictions. He explained that the US reviews the status of affected countries every ninety days but cautioned that this does not automatically lead to sanctions being removed.
The Minister acknowledged the difficulties Sierra Leoneans face in securing visas, noting that the restrictions are linked largely to citizens overstaying in the US on student and tourist visas. “These are not facilitated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he emphasized, adding that such applications are made independently by individuals.
Kabba further appealed to Sierra Leoneans living illegally in the US to consider returning voluntarily, stressing that such action would help strengthen the country’s case for lifting the restrictions.
He disclosed that a committee has been established to verify the nationality of Sierra Leoneans subject to deportation, while the government continues to work with the US Department of State on repatriation procedures.
He also revealed that Sierra Leone is closely coordinating with the US Ambassador in Freetown and engaging with other affected countries, including Togo and Equatorial Guinea, to improve visa processes and minimize overstays.
