The United States government has announced a new visa policy barring foreign nationals with obesity or diabetes from entering the country.
Health-Based Restrictions Introduced
According to a memorandum from the US Department of State, American embassies worldwide have been instructed to reject visa applications from individuals suffering from these medical conditions.
Officials stated that the decision aims to minimize potential health-related risks and protect the national interest of the United States.
Policy Expected to Affect Thousands
The new rule is expected to impact applicants who fail to meet the country’s updated medical fitness criteria. Health evaluations during visa processing will now consider obesity and diabetes as disqualifying conditions.
Authorities said the measure aligns with Washington’s goal of ensuring lower healthcare burdens and protecting public resources.
Critics Condemn Decision as Discriminatory
Human rights advocates and immigration experts criticized the decision, warning it promotes discriminatory practices against individuals with medical conditions. Critics argued that the policy undermines fundamental human rights and contradicts global health inclusion principles.
“This approach stigmatizes millions of people and violates the spirit of equality,” one immigration lawyer said.
Implementation Timeline Unclear
US officials have not disclosed when the new policy will be implemented or provided details on its broader implications.
Analysts predict that the rule could face legal challenges both domestically and internationally in the coming months.
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US Ambassador Natalie Baker visits Golra Railway Station
US Acting Ambassador to Pakistan Natalie Baker on Sunday paid a special visit to the historic Golra Railway Station and Railway Museum.
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi briefed the visiting envoy on the site’s cultural and historical significance as well as its recent up-gradation.
During the visit, the minister gave Ambassador Baker a detailed tour of the Golra Station, the Quaid-e-Azam Saloon, and the heritage museum, which houses vintage locomotives, carriages, and railway equipment dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries.
