KUWAIT CITY, Aug 7: In the wake of a recent announcement by the U.S. State Department regarding a new financial guarantee requirement for certain visa applicants, the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait has confirmed that Kuwaiti citizens are not currently subject to the measure.

U.S. Embassy spokesperson Stuart Turner said that the new program, officially titled the Visa Bond Pilot, does not include Kuwaitis. “The program aims to evaluate the effectiveness of financial guarantees in promoting compliance with U.S. immigration laws,” Turner said.

The initiative, announced earlier this week, will require select applicants for U.S. business and tourism visas (B-1/B-2) to post a refundable bond of up to $15,000 (approximately 5,000 Kuwaiti dinars) as a condition of visa issuance. The program is part of broader efforts by U.S. authorities to curb visa overstays and irregular migration.

Turner explained that the selection of countries targeted under the pilot is based on several factors, including high overstay rates, deficiencies in security screening, and concerns about investment-based citizenship programs that do not mandate residency. Additionally, foreign policy considerations also influence inclusion.

“Kuwait is not currently included on the list of countries covered by the program,” Turner emphasized, adding, “While the list may be updated in the future, we can confirm at this time that Kuwaiti citizens are not included.”

He further noted that the $15,000 bond is intended to serve as a deterrent to overstaying and a guarantee of return, aligning with the U.S. government's push to enforce immigration compliance. “We will share any additional information as it becomes available,” Turner added, reaffirming the embassy’s commitment to transparency and clear communication regarding visa regulations.

The U.S. State Department officially announced the 12-month pilot program through a notice published in the Federal Register on Monday. The program allows consular officials to require certain nonimmigrant visa applicants to deposit a bond before the visa is granted. According to the notice, the Department anticipates that around 2,000 applicants will be subject to the bond requirement, with most paying an average of $10,000 during the trial period. The full amount will be refunded once the applicant has proven departure from the United States.

The program is part of a wider strategy introduced under the Trump administration, which cited data indicating that over 500,000 foreign nationals overstayed their visas in fiscal year 2023. The measure is intended to encourage other nations to ensure their citizens comply with U.S. immigration rules and to address deficiencies in identity verification and criminal background checks.

This bond requirement comes in addition to the recent increase in visa fees, including a newly implemented “Visa Security Fee” of at least $250 for all foreign visitors entering the United States.

According to the State Department, the U.S. issued approximately 11 million non-immigrant visas in 2024.

Turner reiterated the embassy’s ongoing commitment to providing clear and up-to-date information, especially in light of evolving U.S. visa policies.