By Chris Mfula
LUSAKA (Reuters) -Zambia's government said on Friday it was concerned about the "unnecessary financial strain" that would be caused by a new rule requiring its citizens to pay bonds of up to $15,000 to obtain some types of U.S. visas.
Starting August 20, President Donald Trump's administration will require visa applicants from Zambia and Malawi to post a bond of $5,000, $10,000, or $15,000 under a pilot programme for tourist and business visas, the State Department said on Tuesday.
"While the (U.S.) government has a prerogative to initiate policy changes, the Zambian government views this development with serious concern, given its potential economic implications on trade, investment, tourism and people-to-people exchanges," Zambia's Foreign Minister Mulambo Haimbe said in a statement.
"This includes the unnecessary financial strain on Zambian nationals."
The move comes as Trump cracks down on illegal immigration, targeting countries with high overstay rates. The bond amount will be returned if the applicant leaves the U.S. within the allowed window of time and complies with all the terms of their visa status.
Haimbe said his government would engage with U.S. counterparts to explore possible solutions. He added that it would not affect Zambians applying for student visas or those issued a valid visa before August 20.
The Southern African country's average household income is roughly $150 per month, according to the government's latest statistical report.
"For most Zambians... this bond is not just unaffordable, it's laughable," said Anthony Mukwita, a Zambian international relations analyst and former diplomat in a Facebook post.
"It could drill a borehole and bring clean water to an entire village," Mukwita said. "Instead, it is being used to buy a chance at an American dream, a dream that's increasingly looking like a gated community with a very expensive entry fee."
Neighbouring Malawi's government has not yet officially responded to the measure.
($1 = 23.1500 Zambian kwachas)
(Reporting by Chris Mfula; Writing by Nellie Peyton;)
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