DOS Discusses Visa Restrictions for Burma

Taken Questions
Office of the Spokesman
U.S. Department of State
Washington, DC
June 6, 2003
Question Taken at June 6, 2003 Daily Press Briefing

Burma - Visa Restrictions

Question: Who is covered by your visa restrictions for Burma? What is different now?

Answer: In October 1996, the U.S. put into effect restrictions on visas for persons formulating, implementing, or benefiting from policies impeding the transition to democracy in Burma, as well as their immediate family members. In practice, this policy has covered members of the ruling State Peace and Development Council and their immediate families, government ministers and other senior government officials and their immediate families, senior officials of the Union Solidarity Development Association and their immediate families, military above the rank of colonel and their immediate families, and civil servants above the rank of director-general and their immediate families.

This policy has now been extended to cover all officials of the Union Solidarity Development Association and their immediate families. We will also be adding managers of the state-run enterprises and their families to the list.

We are continuing our active review of our Burma policy in light of the current situation.

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Released on June 6, 2003