DOS Suspends NIV Issuance to Certain Nationals of Guyana

R 151806Z OCT 01
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR POSTS
SPECIAL EMBASSY PROGRAM
AMEMBASSY FREETOWN
AMEMBASSY BELGRADE
AMEMBASSY DUSHANBE
AMEMBASSY NDJAMENA
AMCONSUL PESHAWAR
AMEMBASSY JAKARTA
AMCONSUL SURABAYA
AMCONSUL LAHORE

UNCLAS STATE 179574

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CVIS, KCRM, PREL, KJUS, CVIS
SUBJECT: SUSPENSION OF ISSUANCE OF NONIMMIGRANT VISAS IN GUYANA

REF: STATE 176172

1. Summary: Consular officers at Embassy Georgetown have, effective October 10, discontinued the issuance of all nonimmigrant visas to certain nationals of the Republic of Guyana. Posts engaged in recent host country dialogue regarding concerns about delays in accepting back their nationals (see para four, below) should advise the host country of these measures as appropriate to emphasize the seriousness of our requests for travel documents. End Summary.

2. On September 7, 2001, the Attorney General notified the Secretary that Guyana has denied or unreasonably delayed the return to Guyana of a number of deportable aliens. The Attorney General requested the imposition of visa sanctions under Section 243(d) of the INA. Effective October 10, the Secretary ordered consular officers in Guyana to discontinue the issuance of all nonimmigrant visas to nationals of Guyana who are employees of the Government of Guyana or of any of the companies owned in whole or in substantial part by the Government of Guyana. This discontinuance also applies to the spouses and children, whether minor or adult, of these individuals. This is a targeted imposition of visa sanctions under section 243(d) that focuses on those persons most likely to pressure Guyana's policy makers. Exceptions to the suspension of visa issuance will be made as appropriate for A and G visa applications, and limited other applications, with specific approval by the Department. If the GOG continues to refuse or unreasonably delay the return of its nationals, the sanctions will be expanded to include all Guyanese, and eventually all persons resident, in Guyana.

3. Posts should note that Section 243(d) applies only to visa issuance in the country at issue, in this case Guyana. It therefore does not prevent applicants affected by the discontinuance in Guyana from applying for visas in other countries if they are physically present in the consular district. Such applications can be approved if adjudicating officers find the applicant clearly qualified for the visa, including under the provisions of Section 214(b).
POWELL