I am announcing today a new policy of visa restrictions for undermining democracy in Zimbabwe. Under this policy, the United States will impose visa restrictions under section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act on individuals found to be responsible for or complicit in undermining democracy in Zimbabwe. Such acts may include manipulating or rigging the electoral process; disenfranchising voters or preventing individuals from exercising their right to vote; excluding members of the political opposition from the electoral process; restricting the ability of civil society organisations (CSOs) to operate and engage in democratic, governance or human rights related activities; or intimidating voters, election observers or CSOs through threats or acts of physical violence. They may also include engaging in corrupt acts, including bribery, that undermine the electoral process; interfering with the independent functioning of the judiciary in adjudicating electoral cases; or abusing or violating human rights in Zimbabwe. Family members of such persons may also be subject to these restrictions. Anyone who undermines the democratic process in Zimbabwe – including before, during, and after the August 2023 elections in Zimbabwe – may be ineligible for a US visa under this policy.
The visa restriction policy applies to specific individuals involved in these actions and does not target the Zimbabwean people. The United States supports the Zimbabwean people’s aspirations for free and fair elections that reflect the will of the people and strengthen democracy, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights.
