Uzbekistan’s MFA: U.S. Visas for Uzbek Citizens Are Being Issued Normally

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Currently, visa applications from Uzbek citizens for travel to the United States are being processed in the normal course, and no restrictions have been introduced, the Head of the Information Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan, Akhror Burkhonov, told UzA.

Earlier, on January 14, Fox News reported that the U.S. Department of State was allegedly suspending the processing of immigrant visas for citizens of 75 countries as part of measures aimed at tightening scrutiny of applicants deemed likely to rely on public assistance. The report claimed that Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries were included on this list.

According to the U.S. State Department memo cited by Fox News Digital, consular officers were instructed to refuse visas under existing law starting from 21 January until the department completed its review of screening and vetting procedures.

Commenting on this report, Akhror Burkhonov emphasized that, as of today, the visa process for Uzbek citizens continues normally, and the Uzbek side has not received any official notification of restrictions.

It should be noted that the reports in the U.S. media concern immigrant visas only, which grant the right to permanent residence in the United States. There have been no restrictions on nonimmigrant visas, which are intended for temporary travel abroad for specific purposes, including tourism, business trips, study, temporary work, or participation in academic and professional exchange programs.