Fijians are expressing growing concerns regarding the recently introduced visa bond requirement by the United States, citing the financial burden it places on ordinary citizens, particularly those traveling to visit family. Many fear that this new policy could significantly hinder their ability to travel to the U.S.
Seventy-year-old market vendor Mohammed Ishaq, who has made over 15 trips to the United States, voiced his frustrations over the financial implications of the bond. He highlighted that this additional expense comes at a time when airfares are already steep, making it increasingly challenging for individuals to afford their travel plans. “Nowadays it’s very hard to even pay for airline tickets, and now we have to arrange another five or ten thousand dollars for a bond,” Ishaq lamented.
He emphasized that the bond requirement is unrealistic for many working-class families and elderly travelers, who often rely on their savings to visit relatives abroad. Ishaq also pointed out that the new restrictions on entry airports could complicate travel plans, particularly for the elderly and those who may lack educational resources to navigate these changes. He expressed concern over possibly not being able to spend Christmas with his family, saying, “My whole family is in the US, but now it’s very hard for us to travel.”
The introduction of the visa bond has sparked considerable debate online, with many Fijians questioning how low-income earners will manage the added financial strain. As the conversation unfolds, it is clear that the community is seeking solutions to ensure that family connections can continue to be maintained despite the challenges posed by the new visa policy.
Leave a comment