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US introduces stringent visa requirements

    NAIROBI

    The United States has introduced stringent visa requirements for Zimbabweans, after its embassy in Harare was flooded with travel applications from locals eager to escape the country’s worst economic crisis in 20 years, news reports said on Monday.

    An embassy official reportedly said applicants had now to show proof of a bank balance of US $6,000 before they could be granted a visa to travel to the United States to work or study. The official added that the stiff requirements, which in some cases demand proof of property ownership in Zimbabwe, had been introduced to prevent criminals escaping to the United States.

    Hundreds of Zimbabweans, highly qualified but unable to find jobs, mill at the US embassy everyday seeking to emigrate, mainly to find jobs. Most claim they were leaving the country to study.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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