Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio arrived in New York, United States on Tuesday, September 12, 2023, for the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78). He is expected to engage with other heads of state, government officials, and international organizations.
The President's arrival comes just two weeks after the U.S. announced a visa restriction policy targeting individuals involved in undermining the democratic process in Sierra Leone. The policy is in response to the disputed presidential election in June, which saw incumbent President Bio re-elected.
The U.S. has not released a list of the individuals who are subject to the visa restriction policy, but it is believed that government officials who participated in electoral malpractice may be included.
The presence of government officials in President Bio's delegation to the UNGA has raised questions about whether they are exempt from the visa restriction policy. According to U.S. immigration law, diplomats and other foreign government officials are eligible to travel to the United States using an A-1 or A-2 visa to engage solely in official duties or activities on behalf of their national government.
The Head of State or Government of any country also qualifies for an A visa regardless of the purpose of travel. Therefore, it is likely that President Bio and the other government officials in his delegation are exempt from the visa restriction policy.
The U.S. visa restriction policy is a significant development in the ongoing political crisis in Sierra Leone. It remains to be seen how the policy will be implemented and what impact it will have on the country's democratic process.