US revokes all visas for South Sudanese over country’s failure to repatriate citizens

The United States announced on Saturday that it would cancel all visas held by South Sudanese passport holders due to the South Sudanese government’s refusal to accept its deported citizens. This move comes amid growing concerns that South Sudan could relapse into civil war.

The Trump administration has intensified immigration enforcement, including deporting individuals residing in the U.S. illegally. The U.S. has warned nations that delaying the repatriation of their citizens could lead to visa sanctions or other penalties.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that South Sudan had violated the international principle requiring countries to promptly accept their citizens when another nation seeks to deport them.

He added that these measures could be reconsidered once South Sudan fully cooperates.

Rubio urged South Sudan’s transitional government to “stop taking advantage of the United States.” The South Sudanese embassy in Washington did not immediately comment.

Meanwhile, African Union mediators arrived in Juba this week to facilitate talks aimed at preventing renewed conflict after First Vice President Riek Machar was placed under house arrest.

The government accuses Machar—a former rebel leader during the 2013-18 civil war—of inciting fresh unrest.

Recent clashes in Upper Nile state between government forces and the White Army militia, previously allied with Machar, have heightened tensions. The 2013-18 war was largely fought along ethnic lines, with Dinka loyalists backing President Salva Kiir and Nuer fighters supporting Machar.