The U.S. has announced a new visa restriction policy that will apply to current or former foreign government officials responsible for, or complicit in, the forced return of Uyghurs to China.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in a press statement on March 14, 2025, announced a new visa restriction policy that will apply to current and former foreign government officials responsible for or complicit in the forced return of Uyghurs or members of other ethnic or religious groups with protection concerns to China.
Stating that this policy aims to counter China’s efforts to pressure foreign governments into forcibly returning Uyghurs and other vulnerable groups, Rubio said, “Those who are forcibly returned to China face torture and enforced disappearances. We are taking action against officials who enable or facilitate these practices.“
First Sanctions on Thai Officials
Rubio announced that the policy would be implemented immediately, and as a first step, visa restrictions would be imposed on current and former officials from the Government of Thailand responsible for, or complicit in, the forced return of 40 Uyghurs from Thailand to China on February 27.
Genocide Recognition and Global Appeal
The statement emphasized China’s longstanding acts of genocide and crimes against humanity committed against Uyghurs, calling on governments worldwide not to forcibly return Uyghurs and other groups to China.
Family Members Also Affected
This visa restriction policy is pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act and allows the Department of State to impose visa restrictions on current or former foreign government officials who are responsible for, or complicit in, the forced return to China of Uyghurs or members of other ethnic or religious groups with protection concerns. Certain family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions.
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