Why Bhutan, one of world's happiest countries, is on Trump's travel ban list

Bhutanese citizens seeking travel opportunities may now have to explore alternative destinations

President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a sweeping new travel ban that would block or severely restrict entry into the United States for citizens from as many as 43 countries, including nations like Bhutan.

According to the New York Times, top diplomatic and security officials of the Trump administration are currently reviewing the proposition.

The draft reportedly divides the countries into three categories. The citizens of 11 countries in the “red” list would be completely barred from entry. For the “orange” list of 10 countries, travel would be restricted but not completely cut off. Countries like Pakistan and Russia are in the list.

The draft proposal also includes a “yellow” list of 22 countries which would be given 60 days to address perceived security deficiencies to avoid restrictions.

Trump said that he intended to protect American citizens “from aliens who intend to commit terrorist attacks, threaten our national security, espouse hateful ideology or otherwise exploit the immigration laws for malevolent purposes”.

Why Bhutan may be banned?

Bhutan, a landlocked country in South Asia, is in the eastern Himalayas, nestled between China and India. Neither China or India are part of the 43 countries that may face partial or complete ban.

The country, known as one of the "happiest" in the world, is included in the red list, which means that its citizens will be completely banned from entering US.

“National security concerns" and "irregular migration patterns" are the primary reasons which are likely to be cited by the US government for banning Bhutan. According to reports, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported a 37% rise in Bhutanese visa violations last year.

According to the DHS data, 200 Bhutanese have been caught for residing illegally in the US between 2013 and 2022 a period of 10 years under the category of “Expulsions and Noncitizens Apprehensions by Region and Country of Nationality”.

Here is the year-by-year breakdown of apprehended Bhutanese people:

•2013: 7

•2014: 12

•2015: 24

•2016: 22

•2017: 30

•2018: 26

•2019: 33

•2020: 14

•2021: 15

•2022: 17

A 2019 DHS report identified Bhutan as one of the countries with overstay rates exceeding this 10% threshold, followed by nations such as Chad (44.94%), Djibouti (37.91%), Mauritania (30.49%), Iran (21.64%), and Afghanistan (11.99%).

According to Bhutan’s daily, The Bhutanese, in 2022, out of the 295 Bhutanese citizens that were supposed to depart from the US, 112 didn't. In 2023, out of 371, 72 Bhutanese people overstayed.

This is not the first time that Trump imposed potential immigration restrictions. In 2020, the Trump administration implemented a rule that could require tourist and business travellers from two dozen countries – most in Africa – to pay a bond of as much as $15,000 to visit the United States.

What does it mean for Bhutanese travellers?

If implemented, this ban would pose a significant hardship for Bhutanese citizens seeking to visit, study, or work in the United States. Bhutanese tourists may also find it much harder to secure entry. However, students applying for visas and professionals seeking work opportunities may be the worst hit.

Bhutanese nationals currently in the US on temporary visas may face additional checks and renewals may become more difficult.

Bhutanese citizens seeking travel opportunities may now have to explore alternative destinations. Countries like Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom remain viable options.

Impact on US-Bhutan ties

Bhutan has traditionally maintained a low profile on the global stage. Implementing the ban would also present an unusual diplomatic stance towards a nation that has maintained limited relations with the US. For prospective Bhutanese travelers to the United States, the coming weeks will remain crucial.