*Pakistan Not Included in New U.S. Visa Bond Program*

*WASHINGTON:* The United States has made its Visitor Visa Bond Program permanent, but Pakistan is not among the 50 countries whose citizens will be subject to the new requirement.

Under the new policy, certain applicants from designated countries applying for Business (B-1) or Tourist (B-2) visas may be required to post a refundable visa bond of up to *US$20,000* before their visas are issued. The measure is aimed at reducing visa overstays and ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

As Pakistan is not included in the list of designated countries, Pakistani citizens will not be required to pay the refundable visa bond and will continue to apply for U.S. visas under the existing procedures. India has also not been included in the program, while several African and other countries are covered by the new policy.

According to the U.S. Department of State, the visa bond will be refunded to applicants who fully comply with the terms of their visa and depart the United States within the authorized period of stay.