June 23, 2025
THIMPHU – In a notification issued yesterday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MoFAET) urged undocumented Bhutanese nationals in the United States (US) to voluntarily return home following revelations that the US government may impose travel restrictions on Bhutan and 35 other countries over immigration and national security concerns.
The public notification advises Bhutanese nationals without lawful immigration status to comply fully with US immigration laws or face potential consequences, including deportation.
This directive comes amid reports of a leaked memo signed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, outlining a 60-day deadline for flagged countries to address key concerns or face entry bans for their citizens.
According to the memo, Bhutan has been flagged due to weak passport and document security, high rates of visa overstays, limited co-operation with US deportation procedures, and concerns related to terrorism, antisemitism, or anti-American rhetoric.
Currently, around 1,500 Bhutanese are reportedly living in the US, registered with the Bhutanese Embassy in the US. However, estimates suggest much higher numbers, between 4,000 and 5,000, as of 2025, with population concentrated in areas like New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
The Yearbook of Immigration Statistics 2023 maintained by the Office of Homeland Security Statistics records 24,770 individuals with the status of refugees from Bhutan. Of the total immigrants between 2014 and 2023, a total of 1,190 had obtained a lawful permanent resident status. According to the past records between 1986 and 1996, the total number of immigrants from Bhutan in the US was just 22 individuals.
US Embassy spokesperson told Kuensel that the foreign nationals in the US residing illegally should leave immediately. “The Department of Homeland Security has announced a historic opportunity for illegal aliens to receive cost-free travel, forgiveness of any failure to depart fines, and a USD 1,000 exit bonus to facilitate travel back to their home country or another country where they have lawful status through the CBP Home Mobile App.”
“Depending on their circumstances, they might receive financial and other assistance from the US government to depart,” said the spokesperson. “Individuals who wish to take advantage of this offer must register through the CBP Home App: www.dhs.gov/cbphome.”
Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade DN Dhungyel said that the government has initiated high-level discussions with US counterparts to ensure that the issue is solved at the earliest. “We are working through appropriate channels to resolve this issue in a timely manner,” the minister said.
The ministry’s public notification also informed Bhutanese nationals that those opting for “voluntary departure” may be eligible for financial assistance from US agencies to cover return travel to Bhutan.
Additionally, the notification states that the enforcement of US immigration laws and regulations is the sovereign prerogative of the US government and all Bhutanese must fully comply with directives issued by US immigration authorities at all times.
The MoFAET also stated that relevant notifications issued by the US government in the past have been disseminated via mainstream national media and social media to enable all Bhutanese who do not have lawful immigration status to take an informed decision.
“The government will not be in a position to intervene or provide consular support in cases of non-compliance with US immigration laws and regulations,” the notification stated.
Bhutan is among 36 countries flagged in the US State Department’s memo, which includes a broad list spanning Africa, Central Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific.
This latest move by the US is a part of a broader immigration crackdown, which aims to tighten border controls and address national security threats related to identity verification and passport integrity. This follows an earlier proclamation on June 4, which already imposed full bans on 12 countries and partial restrictions on seven others.
Countries on the list, including Bhutan, have 60 days from mid-June to present a detailed action plan to the US. If the administration is not satisfied with their progress or commitment, President Trump could approve bans affecting tourists, students, or even broader categories of travelers.
International media reports stated that the administration has already taken steps against foreign students, including deportation. Several policies have targeted student visa holders, including efforts to limit enrollment or initiate deportation proceedings.
Legal immigrants from affected nations may also face delays or denials when applying for visas, green cards, or citizenship, especially if their home countries fail to meet updated US vetting requirements.
How will the travel ban affect Bhutan
Experts say that if the US imposes a travel ban on Bhutan, the consequences could be far-reaching, affecting not only individuals but also the country’s diplomatic relations, economy, and reputation on the global stage.
Bhutanese nationals seeking to study, work, or travel to the US would face major obstacles, particularly bureaucratic delays or outright visa denials. The ban could also affect Bhutanese citizens applying for tourist or business visas, restricting opportunities for travel, knowledge exchange, and professional development.
The travel ban could also result in a drop of remittance inflows, which are vital to many Bhutanese households. The US is Bhutan’s second-largest source of remittances, with USD 6.6 million sent as of April 2024, according to the Royal Monetary Authority’s quarterly report. A decline in this income would strain livelihoods and increase economic pressure on families who depend on remittances.
The inclusion in the US immigration blacklist will also tarnish Bhutan’s international image and may lead to heightened scrutiny from other nations, foreign policy experts said.
The travel ban, tourism stakeholders fear, could reduce tourist inflow from the US.
The travel ban or diplomatic freeze could also create uncertainty for potential investors, leading American investors to view Bhutan as a higher-risk destination, even if the country’s fundamentals remain stable. Some fear that with projects like Gelephu Mindfulness City aiming to attract global investments, a perception of non-co-operation could discourage potential American partners and affect the inflow of capital.