Kyrgyzstan deems US migration curbs excessive amid visa pause

Kyrgyzstan’s Foreign Minister, Jeenbek Kulubaev, addressed recent restrictions imposed by Western countries and new US migration measures, according to Caliber.Az citing Kyrgiz media.

Kulubaev stressed that Kyrgyzstan continues to conduct trade with all key partners strictly in line with national legislation. To enhance transparency, the country has proposed an independent audit to assess any potential violations of international sanctions regimes.

The Foreign Minister argued that the sanctions imposed by Western states lack sufficient economic and legal justification, emphasising that Kyrgyzstan is actively defending its position in international forums.

On the issue of US migration policy, Kulubaev described it as a domestic matter for Washington. He clarified that recent deportations target only individuals who have been in the US for five to ten years without proper visas or documentation, and do not affect foreigners legally residing in the country.

Kulubaev also raised concerns over the requirement for visa bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, calling these amounts excessively high and beyond the economic means of most Kyrgyz citizens. “Kyrgyzstan intends to continue dialogue with the United States in search of more balanced and acceptable solutions,” he added.

The comments come amid broader US measures to tighten immigration screening. On January 14, the US State Department temporarily paused immigrant visa processing for dozens of countries, including Kyrgyzstan. The pause is part of an effort to prevent applicants deemed likely to “become a public charge” from obtaining visas.

According to a State Department memo, consular officers have been instructed to refuse visas under existing law while reassessing vetting procedures. The restrictions are imposed for an indefinite period and affect multiple countries across Central Asia, Eastern Europe — including Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia — as well as nations in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America.

By Tamilla Hasanova